Shohei Ohtani is staying at the top of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the foreseeable future.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies that when Mookie Betts returns he’ll play shortstop and bat second. Shohei Ohtani will continue to bat leadoff.
With Betts returning to shortstop as soon as next week, that puts to bed any lingering thoughts about moving him back to right field or second base.
Betts has been on the injured list with a fractured hand since June 17 and has been steadily progressing every week. He has been out of a brace since mid-July which is when he began doing defensive drills at Dodger Stadium. His first batting practice session was on July 28.
The return of Betts is encouraging news for the Dodgers who have been forced to turn to Nick Ahmed as the starting shortstop because of an injury to Miguel Rojas. Ahmed won two Gold Gloves there but his bat isn’t where the team needs it to be.
Los Angeles also went out and traded for Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals as another depth piece for the middle infield.
Gavin Lux deserves a tip of the cap for breaking through in the absence of Betts. There were reports a few weeks ago that mentioned Betts potentially moving to second base and Rojas taking over at shortstop but Lux has been playing like a man who doesn’t want to lose his job.
Keeping Ohtani at the top of the order breaks up the lefties. Instead of a righty followed by two lefties, it creates a pattern in the lineup that will be difficult for opposing pitchers to attack.
MLB Network broke down the news on Tuesday night.
“First of all, you don’t move Shohei at this point in time because he’s just been on a roll,” said Harold Reynolds. “Mookie has been working at short, that’s where he has been all year.”
Reynolds also said that the Dodgers should consider moving Betts to right field for the playoffs if they get Rojas and Edman back.
When it comes to Ohtani batting leadoff, he showed early on that he belongs in that spot. He sets the tone as the most-feared hitting in the lineup and pitchers have to face him first. With his ability to get on base, and steal second or third, there will be plenty of opportunities for Betts and/or Free to drive him in.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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