The Los Angeles Dodgers could go in several directions with their lineup.
Dodgers Facing Decision After Mookie Betts News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again in the upper echelon of the NL standings, but star shortstop Mookie Betts isn't a big reason. The 32-year-old is slashing .238/.309/.370 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs over 94 games.
For context, Betts' career slash line is .290/.369/.514, and he averages 24 homers and 73 RBIs per 123 games played. The 5-foot-10-inch, 180-pounder has hit at least .264 each season since the Boston Red Sox traded him to the Dodgers in February 2020.
However, Los Angeles hasn't missed a beat thanks to catcher Will Smith, reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani, first baseman Freddie Freeman and center fielder Andy Pages. Smith is second in baseball with a .323 batting average. Ohtani is tied for second with 37 homers. Freeman is tied for 10th with a .295 average, and Pages is tied for 29th at .284.
In short, the Dodgers have plenty of depth to make up for Betts' down year. That will also come in handy given Friday's announcement, via The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.
"Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts is expected to arrive in Boston tomorrow around first pitch," he reported. "TBD if he will be in the lineup. He’s away from the team for personal reasons."
With Betts out for Friday's contest with the Red Sox, Los Angeles was faced with a decision. The three-time World Series champion had been hitting leadoff and playing shortstop prior to his absence, leaving manager Dave Roberts with two crucial spots to fill: one in the lineup and one defensively.
Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts is expected to arrive in Boston tomorrow around first pitch. TBD if he will be in the lineup. He’s away from the team for personal reasons.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 25, 2025
Roberts chose to move Ohtani back to leadoff as the designated hitter on Friday, with Miguel Rojas batting ninth and manning shortstop. Smith will bat second, where Betts had taken 352 of his 370 at bats this season before a recent move to the leadoff position. Ohtani has taken 16 of his 395 at bats at the second spot, while Smith has taken just five of his 266 at bats there.
Dodgers' Options If Mookie Betts Misses More Time
If Betts remains out on Saturday, the Dodgers could also put Hyeseong Kim at short. The 26-year-old primarily plays second base and center field, but he has made eight appearances at shortstop this season. He's hitting eighth and playing second on Friday. Additionally, they could slide Ohtani into the second spot in the order.
These are just some of the options LA has in Betts' absence, leaving Roberts with the tough decision of how to best replace his eight-time All-Star.
Related: Trade Idea Links Guardians Star Player to Dodgers
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
