Dodgers: Mookie Betts Feels and Looks Refreshed Coming Out of the All-Star Break
The Dodgers came out swinging in a big way on Friday night. In the first game of the second half, Los Angeles put up a 5 spot immediately and kicked starter Chi Chi Gonzalez out of the game after 4 innings.
Part of that early success came from the spark of Mookie Betts at the top of the lineup. The Dodgers superstar led things off with a double into left field that would later score on a Cody Bellinger single.
It’s exactly the reason the Dodgers like Betts at the top of the order. It’s also part of the reason Betts chose to sit out the All-Star Game. Dave Roberts admitted it was a tough choice for Mookie, but he did feel it worked in his favor.
He did (looked refreshed). I know he missed the All-Star Game, the festivities, seeing the fans. But to get home, get re-set, clear his mind, and get his body right – he was in a good place.
Betts would go on to collect 2 more hits and drive in a run for the Dodgers in a big win. He chose to sit out the All-Star Game to rest lingering injuries. Betts was bothered by a back issue and a forearm issue at various points throughout the season. He’s never leaned on that as a reason he has struggled, but it’s hard to ignore.
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Over his last 3 games, Betts is a combined 8-for-12 with 6 runs driven in and 3 extra-base hits. If the Dodgers do get elite Mookie back at the top of the order, the rest of the NL West should just sit out the rest of the season.
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I wouldn’t go as far as to suggest the rest of the league sit out rest of season, especially if the problem with having enough starting pitching continues to linger through this 2nd half of season.
Yes as to weakness in the starting pitching, although I do see potential in Buehler, Urias, Gonsolin, Price and J. Gray, plus in a pinch, R. Pepiot.
Betts on season two of ten year contract.
Hitting a whopping .261 .