Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Isn’t Happy With His Defense at Shortstop
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has become the everyday starter at a position he hasn’t played since high school. It hasn’t been easy and has been frustrating at times.
His seven errors trail only Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz (10) and Pittsburgh’s O’Neil Cruz (eight). However, Betts also ranks third among major league shortstops with four defensive runs saved according to FanGraphs. For Betts, he wants to be the best at everything he does. For now, the numbers don’t reflect that, which frustrates him.
“Making errors really, really bothers me,” Betts told reporters, including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “Just have to be better than that, man. It doesn’t just affect me. It affects [James] Paxton, who has to throw more pitches. I just have to keep working.”
On Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Betts made a bad throw to first and immediately looked to the dugout for encouragement. His teammates encouraged him and coached him up for the next play.
“I think it’s been … not very good, but it is what it is,” Betts said. “It’s a work in progress. It’s my first time doing it in a long time. You have to start somewhere, and at least with me, feeling like I’m on the lower end, there’s nowhere to go but up from here.”
Manager Dave Roberts understands there’s a learning curve for Betts and isn’t discouraged.
“I think his defense has been fine,” Roberts said. “It’s probably never going to be to his standards, and that’s what makes him great. Taking this on, it’s not going to be linear. He’s his harshest critic, so I expect him to be frustrated. But I’m pleased with him.”
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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