Dodgers Bench Struggling Mookie Betts, Maintain Shortstop Role

Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and 2018 AL MVP, is enduring the worst offensive slump of his career, with a .688 OPS ranking near the bottom among qualified MLB hitters. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts benched Betts for a game against the Milwaukee Brewers to help him regroup mentally and physically, acknowledging Betts' frustration and declining mechanics. Despite his offensive struggles, Betts has remained a strong defensive presence at shortstop, where the Dodgers have no plans to move him, even as his bat speed and power have notably decreased. The team is exploring lineup adjustments, but Roberts does not believe changing Betts' batting order spot will break his slump. There has been speculation about moving Betts back to the outfield if the Dodgers pursue a third baseman like Nolan Arenado, but for now, Betts remains entrenched at shortstop. His recent performance reflects both the impact of a mid-spring training illness that caused weight loss and subsequent bad hitting habits, rather than just the challenges of playing a new position.