How Can Mookie Betts Continue Playing Like an MVP?
Mookie Betts Returns from the IL; How Can He Start Playing Like an MVP Again for the Last Part of the Season?
Although they are leading the National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers have struggled this season while dealing with multiple injuries. Chris Taylor, Max Muncy, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Michael Grove, & Mookie Betts. Even though Glasnow, has returned, the Dodgers are still missing a big part of their team. However, Los Angeles got a former AL MVP back from the injured list on Monday.
Before being hit by a 98 mph fastball on June 16th in a game against the Kansas City Royals, Mookie Betts was playing at an MVP-caliber level and was in the MVP conversation for the National League. However, Betts missed nearly 2 months with a fractured left hand before being activated from the 10-day injured list on Monday. As a result, the Dodgers designated Amed Rosario for assignment to make room on the roster for Betts. Even though Betts’s chances at the MVP award have practically disappeared, how can he finish out the 2024 regular season by returning to playing like an MVP?
In his first game back, Betts returned to right field for the Dodgers along with hitting second rather than leadoff. In his first at bat, Betts struck out to Freddy Peralta while losing his footing in his final swing of the at bat. However, in his next at bat, Betts got his revenge by hitting a 2-run home run into the left field stands of American Family Field in Milwaukee. Betts also had an RBI single in the seventh inning, finishing his night going 2-4 with 3 RBIs. With a great first game, Mookie Betts could very well be back on track to playing like an MVP.
With the Dodgers being one of the best teams in Major League Baseball this season, Betts will need to return to himself on the playing field in order for the Dodgers to go deep into the playoffs. However, with Betts’s position changing back to right field from shortstop, he most likely will not have to focus on defense as much and can make sure his hitting is back to form. With Mookie not going on a rehab assignment, many would be concerned that his timing would not be in sync for a while until a few weeks after his return. Luckily for the Dodgers, Mookie’s timing seems to be as usual after his first game back.
