Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Why There’s More Second Base in Mookie’s Future

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the media before Sunday’s game that Mookie Betts will get another start at second base on Monday. Betts, who started at second in the Dodgers’ 12-1 victory over the Padres on Saturday, apparently requested the time in the infield.

With Gavin Lux currently sidelined with a neck/back issue, the Dodgers don’t really have a starting second baseman. Max Muncy and Chris Taylor have both spent time at second this season, but Lux has gotten the bulk of the playing time there.



The Dodgers pride themselves on their defensive versatility, and after Betts played second on Saturday, Roberts referred to it as an “abbreviated off-day,” alluding to the fact that playing second base is less physically demanding than playing right field. He also, in discussing both Betts and rookie Miguel Vargas, talked about their ability to play multiple positions.

“Yeah, today was kind of the abbreviated off-day, to get him on the dirt, and I think he appreciated that. … That’s kind of what we pride ourselves on, as far as our organization, having guys that are baseball players that can move around the diamond.”

The Dodgers haven’t given any indication of longterm concern about Lux, but you have to wonder whether his health situation is playing into the decision to give Betts more time in the infield. Trayce Thompson has been outstanding ever since coming to the Dodgers, and the option of moving Mookie to second base makes Thompson a viable indirect replacement when Lux is unable to play.

It could just be that Mookie enjoys playing infield and getting a little rest. But Betts at second base could end up paying dividends in the postseason.

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Jeff Snider

Jeff was born into a Dodgers family in Southern California and is now raising a Dodgers family of his own in Utah. During his previous career as an executive at a technology company, he began writing about baseball in his spare time. After leaving corporate America in 2014, he started doing it professionally. Jeff wrote and edited for Baseball Essential for years before joining Dodgers Nation. He's also the co-host of the Locked On Dodgers podcast, a daily podcast that brings the smart fan's perspective on our Boys in Blue. Jeff has a degree in English from Brigham Young University. Favorite Player: Clayton Kershaw Favorite Moment: Kirk Gibson's homer will always have a place, but Kershaw's homer on Opening Day 2013 might be the winner.

5 Comments

  1. Mookie Betts is a gold glove right fielder. Every day he plays 2B, the Dodgers are weaker defensively.

    1. Why is second base a’ rest’? Playing right field on the soft grass and being involved in 4 or 5 plays a game is a ‘rest’.

      1. Unless you’re a “beer league” right fielder, you’re constantly backing up plays. Throws to first from 3rd, pick off attempts, catcher’s throws to 1B, double plays started by the SS and backing up Bellinger in CF. Hardly a day in the park- pun intended.

      2. Unless you’re a “beer league” right fielder, you’re constantly backing up plays. Throws from 3B, from the catcher, pick off attempts, double plays started by the SS and backing up Bellinger in the alley. Hardly “a day in the park”- pun intended.

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