Editorials

Dodgers: Mookie Betts Will Bounce Back

Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts endured the worst April of his career this year. Betts posted his lowest batting average (.250) and OPS (.768) of any April. He’s missed time with a stiff lower back and after he got drilled in the wrist against the Seattle Mariners.

A tireless worker, Mookie is bound to bounce back.



According to manager Dave Roberts, Betts is taking extra time in the cage and refining his hitting mechanics. He’s also working with fellow slugger Justin Turner to tune up his swing. Stars helping stars, you love to see it.

Betts slashed .292/.366/.562 last season and is a league MVP. His April is simply one rough month in a long season.

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Betts Missing Strikes

Roberts mentioned that Betts’s pitch selection of late has been a concern.

“Swinging out of the zone, pretty uncharacteristic [for him].”

Betts posted a 17.2% K-rate for the month of April. If the season ended today, it would be the highest strikeout rate of Mookie’s career. Mookie also currently owns the highest swinging strike percentage of his pro career (7.1%).

Betts has too good of a batter’s eye to continue punching out and missing hittable pitches. He’s built an illustrious career on punishing opposing pitcher mistakes in the zone.

Mookie’s struggles are all part of the anemic Dodger offense that hasn’t been able to provide run support for the starters. Due to the lack of pop, the Dodgers have lost nine of their last twelve through this Friday. 

Generating offense when your leadoff man isn’t getting on base is a challenge.

Final Thoughts

Betts and the Dodgers will continue to grind, refine, and improve at the plate. This is a veteran team that knows the results will come if the process is sound. The offense can’t stay dormant forever.

Betts should rebound in May because he puts the work in each and every day.

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Eric Eulau

Born and raised in Ventura, not "Ven-CH-ura", California. Favorite Dodger Stadium food is the old school chocolate malt with the wooden spoon. Host of the Dodgers Nation 3 Up, 3 Down Podcast.

3 Comments

  1. Over the last two weeks the Dodgers have been the worst team is baseball. In a couple days they will be in fourth place in the NL West behind the Giants, Padres, and D Backs.
    This entire team better wake up real soon. They are treating baseballs like eggs they are afraid to break whenever they get in the batters box.

  2. Betts’ bat finally woke up, but what was with the throw to home? Just copying Pollock I suppose. And getting thrown out trying to steal?

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