The LA Dodgers are in first place with a record of 56–32. But things aren’t as quiet as they seem. And the latest issue? The defense. It has been shaky since Mookie Betts was moved to shortstop, and manager Dave Roberts is now at a crucial point.
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It’s easy to forget that defense is important when you have a great offense and great pitching. The Dodgers have been having trouble with their defense lately. Teoscar Hernandez has had trouble making easy plays in right field. That’s spurred rumors of Mookie Betts returning to the outfield— until Dave Roberts cleared things up.
In the post-game interview, Dave Roberts was asked about the speculation of transferring Betts back to right field. He didn’t turn things around and gave a straightforward answer. “There is no thought of moving Mookie back out to the right field, and I do think that Teo is more natural in right.” The Dodgers are sticking to their plan.
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Dave Roberts says the Dodgers aren’t thinking about moving Mookie Betts back to RF despite Teoscar Hernández struggling defensively:
“He (Teo) is our right fielder and Mookie’s our shortstop.” pic.twitter.com/xz7YMjt7CR
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 4, 2025
Before this season, Betts was an outstanding outfielder who won the Golden Glove award, too, but switched to shortstop. It was not random; it was all planned. Since November, he has worked with coaches, drills, and late-night sessions to stick.
Betts has played 80 games at shortstop as of July 4 and is hitting .246/.321/.383 (98 OPS+), which gives him a strong 2.5 WAR. His current fielding percentage is .985, which is barely below his .995 mark in right field.
On the other side, Teoscar Hernandez played right field well last season with a strong arm and decent awareness. This year? Wrong reads and plays have plagued him. His opportunities and hits have increased, and he’s had some “50-50” ball losses. Roberts suggested that it may be because of “hip injury”—but he said it can be fixed. Roberts adds, “He is more natural there, and there will be improvement.”
In June 2025, the Dodgers’ defense faltered. Max Muncy had the most mistakes (10), Mookie Betts (4), Enrique Hernandez (4), Andy Pages (6), and Hyeseong Kim (3). This has made the depth of the infield and outfield uneven.
Amid all this, it looks like Mookie Betts has found his way to answer every critic and doubt. Well, his answer was 409 feet long!
Betts breaks through: 10th home run answers slump talk
Mookie Betts launched his 10th homer of the season, a solo shot in the seventh inning, to help the Dodgers beat the White Sox 6–2. He needed a boost after a rough stretch, going 0-12 in his last three games and without homering since June 8 in St. Louis. That swing interrupted the mini-drought and reminded Betts of her rhythm.
Betts’ slump, defense worries, and second-half narrative have been discussed. But the harsh truth? He’s just enduring midseason noise. His .246/.321/.383 slash line through 80 games may not have MVP potential. But his plate discipline shows he’s in charge even when timing is off. Even the best hitters hit a wall, and Betts does it in style.
This homer is heartening for a club in a pennant race. Betts’ insurance run in the seventh put the game away and proved his ability to perform in high-leverage circumstances. That kind of swing inspires playoff hopes and calms doubters, even for a time.
Indeed, Betts has raised questions that will likely continue all season. However, his 10th homer signalled that he’s cooling off, not cooling down. Betts’ superior eye and occasional power flash remind everyone he’s still a reliable bat.
Written by
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar