Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Believes Team Needs Big Play from Rookies

It’s now July, and the Dodgers are looking like the championship ball club we know and love. Sure, there are obvious issues on the pitching staff — particularly in the starting rotation — but guys are finding a way each day to win ballgames.

The bullpen has stepped up. The offensive has been consistent, despite some holes here and there in the lineup. Rookies and veterans have stepped up immensely as the 26-man roster comes together.

Mookie Betts told reporters including MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa, that in order to continue this stretch of great play the Dodgers are relying on everyone. Even the rookies.

“That’s what a championship team is made of…The starters aren’t typically the ones that carry us the whole way. They can only get us to a certain point, but it’s guys like Deluca, [James] Outman, [Miguel] Vargas when he was here, the young pitchers — [Emmet] Sheehan and [Bobby] Miller — those are the guys that can help put us over the top, and they’re helping us right now.”

Via MLB.com

Betts and the Dodgers were riding the high of two outrageous catches by rookie Jonny Deluca against the Rangers on Friday. The plays helped the Dodgers preserve a 4-4 tie and eventually pull off an 11-5 victory.

As good as Mookie Betts, JD Martinez and Freddie Freeman were offensively, Deluca, had a lot to do with the team’s win over the Texas Rangers on Friday night.

Friday’s game against the Rangers marked the first time the Dodgers stepped foot into the Globe Life Stadium since their World Series win against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, and rightfully so, the return to Texas was bittersweet.

“This place holds a special place in our hearts, [so] it’s good to be back.”

Dave Roberts via MLB.com

Deluca is just one of few youngsters that have been very productive for the Dodgers this season. A few names that have turned some faces include James Outman, Bobby Miller and Emmett Sheehan.

As for the most anticipated Dodger Rookie, Miguel Vargas, the players are looking forward to his imminent return. Vargas has been tearing it up in the minors since being optioned a few weeks back, posting up 15 total bases that include two homers and eight runs in just seven games for the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports