Dodgers: LA Outfielder Doesn’t Doubt Mookie Betts Ability at Second Base
One of the more interesting storylines surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the 2023 season is definitely Mookie Betts' split of playing time between the outfield and second base. Despite clear dominance the past few years in right field, Betts has been expressing the desire to get more innings within the infield.
In his three seasons with the Dodgers and six seasons with the Boston Red Sox, the superstar has only logged 30 games at second base. The coaching staff has continuously placed him where they believe he fits best and numbers show that him and New York's Aaron Judge man right field the best in the MLB. However, it appears LA is coming around to their leader's request as team manager Dave Roberts revealed that he plans to play Betts at second base for about 40 games.
The 30-year-old has been catching many eyes as he prepares for the season by playing second base in the WBC. Players that have watched Betts have noted that he looks very "natural" in in the infield and among them has been teammate Trayce Thompson.
In an exclusive interview with MLB Network's "High Heat", Thompson displayed nothing but trust in Betts to slide in to second base smoothly.
"Being around Mookie and seeing him work, I've realized that he's a guy you never doubt," said Thompson. "He's a perfectionist, he works incredibly hard. I wouldn't doubt in his future if he ended up moving to second base, I wouldn't doubt that he would win a gold glove or be one of the best second basemen in the league."
Betts and the rest of the Dodgers are only looking to repeat their 2020 season and bring home another World Series. The coaching staff is granting him his wishes and hopefully it leads to even more success for the squad this year.
