Why are the Dodgers Moving Mookie Betts Back to Right Field?

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts is making his return to right field, manager Dave Roberts told reporters, including Dodgers Nation’s J.P. Hoornstra.

After weeks of speculation — including Andrew Friedman’s declaration this week that Betts would play a “decent” amount of shortstop — the six-time Gold Glove winner in right field can return to the position he’s most comfortable in.

“The conversation was under the constructs of each player, wherever they’re playing defensively, they’ve got to feel most confident,” Roberts said. “And after them, obviously layer in what’s best for the ball club. Where we’re at, he is most confident right now in right field versus at shortstop.

“So you look at how Gavin (Lux)’s playing and he’s earned the right to continue to play second base for us. You have essentially two Gold Glovers at shortstop (Miguel Rojas and Nick Ahmed), and so kind of weighing everything in, the teammate, the comfort, the performance, now moving forward that’s where we came to.”

Betts was spotted taking reps in right field ahead of the Dodgers’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates. It’s likely that Betts will officially return to the team as soon as Monday during the series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Following the trade deadline, the Dodgers acquired Nick Ahmed and Tommy Edman, both Gold Glove winners, which hinted toward a potential move for Betts when he returned from his injury.

The move to right field could be a much-needed jolt for the Dodgers, who have desperately missed Betts in the wake of myriad injuries. Betts hasn’t played since mid-June, when he fractured his left hand after being hit by a pitch.

The Dodgers’ lead in the National League West has diminished to just 2.5 games entering Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The latest adjustments by Los Angeles are an attempt to regain a substantial lead down the stretch.

Roberts announced earlier this week that Betts will not be the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, a surprising move since that is where Betts has made the most impact in his Dodgers career. Shohei Ohtani has stepped into the top of the lineup, with Betts following him.

It would be in the best interest of the Dodgers if Betts, one of the game’s superstars, settles back into a place he’s most comfortable. Roberts and Friedman asked a lot of Betts in making multiple position changes this year — first to second base, then to shortstop.

Betts’ comeback to right field should give the Dodgers the best offensive and defensive outfield they’ve had all season. Betts is regarded as one of the elite right fielders in MLB, making this is an exciting change at a needed time for the Dodgers.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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