The Los Angeles Dodgers need a little bit of a change.
LA has been struggling since the start of July, posting a 14-16 record with a minus-30 run differential. They might have found the wrinkle they're searching for by undoing another major change they made at the beginning of the season.
Former American League Most Valuable Player Mookie Betts is set to return to the Dodgers' lineup Monday according to manager Dave Roberts. He already confirmed Betts would return and bat second with Shohei Ohtani holding down the leadoff spot. That won't be the only move for Betts, though.
Roberts before Friday's game also confirmed Betts would go back to his natural right-field spot. This ends the experiment that began in the offseason with Betts playing shortstop full-time.
It was a logical move in the Spring. Betts is an extremely versatile fielder who could conceivably switch from right field to short in one year. He spent the first part of the season on the infield before going down with a broken hand on June 16.
There was improvement at short from Betts, but there was room to upgrade defensively. That's a huge advantage of moving Betts to short. He can jump back to right field if the lineup calls for it. And that's what the Dodgers need now.
After not finding a full-time outfielder at the trade deadline, it made sense for Betts to go back to the outfield. Miguel Rojas is an excellent defender who can fill in at shortstop. Trade deadline acquisitions Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario can also hold that spot down.
LA improved its outfield by sliding Betts back to right. They've also given themselves more options on the infield, all of which may be upgrades defensively at short.
The Dodgers have some pitching problems to iron out, but their lineup is starting to look extremely formidable once again.
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