Mookie Bettsis back in theLos Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Sundayafter getting Saturday offin an attempt to bust his season-long batting slump. But there's a twist to Betts' return. Betts will bat leadoff, movingShohei Ohtanito the No. 2 spot in the batting order. Ohtani has hit in the leadoff spot in all of the 97 games he's played for the Dodgers this season. Manager Dave Roberts says this is a temporary move for Betts, who last batted leadoff in June 2024. The intention is tochange Betts' approach at the plate, focusing on getting on base and taking good at-bats, according to Roberts. Betts will likely move out of the leadoff spot whenMax Muncyreturnsfrom the injured list, expected to happen in two weeks or so. Betts is 0-for-12 in his past three games and Roberts decided to give him a day off after seeing that he was chasing pitches out of the strike zone more frequently. He's currently putting up the worst numbers of his career, batting .241/.311/.377 in 395 plate appearances, and spent the All-Star breakat home in Nashvilleworking on his swing. Dave Roberts isn't sure if moving Mookie Betts down in the batting order is the answer to his struggles:"I just don't know if hitting him 1st or 9th or anywhere between changes where he's at mechanically."pic.twitter.com/ONTbPykMEl — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation)July 19, 2025 Prior to Saturday's decision, Roberts didn't appear to believe that moving Betts to a different spot in the batting order was a solution. "I just don't know if hitting him first or ninth or anywhere between changes where he's at mechanically,"Roberts told reporters. "I think he's very sold on the fact that he's gotta clean some things up mechanically." Bettsechoed those thoughtswhen talking to reporters about the lineup change before Sunday's game, saying his issues are more about finding the right feel with his swing. Betts sounded rather indifferent when asked about the changeHe reiterated that his struggles don't have anything to do with where he hits (or where he plays defense), but has instead been about trying to find the right cues/feels with his swing to get his mechanics re-aligned — Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris)July 20, 2025 Whether or not the move affects Ohtani could also be a concern. The Dodgers' designated hitter is batting .274/.379/.604 with 33 home runs, 63 RBI and 13 stolen bases. When he missed two gameswhile on paternity leaveearlier this season,Tommy Edmanbatted leadoff. Another decision that the Dodgers may have to consider with Betts is whether to move him from shortstop back to second base or right field. He's played the position full-time this season. The Dodgers have others who could play the position with Edman,Miguel RojasandHyeseong Kim. Meanwhile, Roberts wasn't happy aboutTeoscar Hernández's play in right field inSaturday's 8-7 lossto theMilwaukee Brewers, criticizing how he played a third-inning line drive byBlake Perkinsthat became a triple. "That ball's gotta be a double, it's got to be cut off,"Roberts told reporters. "Those are little things that can't happen." The Dodgers (58-41) have lost their first two games since the All-Star break and 11 of their past 13.
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