Dave Roberts Considers Dropping Mookie Betts Further in Dodgers Lineup Amid Prolonged Slump and Team’s Offensive Inconsistencies
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most talent-rich rosters in all of Major League Baseball, a team that has routinely found ways to win in spite of injuries, inconsistency, and high expectations. But even the deepest teams face tough decisions when their biggest stars struggle—and right now, one of those decisions involves Mookie Betts. On Sunday, in a move that raised eyebrows throughout the league, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed Betts from the leadoff spot for the first time in a long time. Now, Roberts is contemplating something even more dramatic: moving Betts further down the batting order.
For a player of Betts’ stature—a former MVP, multiple-time All-Star, and one of the highest-paid players in the sport—being dropped in the lineup isn’t just a tactical adjustment. It’s a statement. And yet, given Betts’ recent struggles, it’s also a conversation that feels unavoidable. Roberts, never one to make rash decisions, acknowledged after the game that the thought has crossed his mind.
“I’ve thought about it,” Roberts said when asked about potentially dropping Betts even lower in the lineup. “We’re trying to get him going, and right now, he’s searching a little bit. The goal is to put guys in the best position to succeed—and put the team in the best position to win.”
That’s a delicate balancing act, especially when it comes to a player like Betts. He’s not just another name in the lineup. He’s been the tone-setter, the guy who ignites rallies, works deep counts, and delivers in clutch situations. But over the past several weeks, his production has tailed off sharply. Once an on-base machine at the top of the order, Betts has seen his average dip, his slugging fall, and his plate discipline waver. The player who once looked automatic now looks lost.
The numbers don’t lie. Since the All-Star break, Betts has been hitting well below his career averages. He’s chasing more pitches outside the zone, swinging through fastballs he used to punish, and failing to make the kind of consistent contact that once defined his game. Even his hard-hit rate—a metric that often predicts future success—has taken a noticeable dive. For someone who has been so reliable for so long, this prolonged slump is uncharted territory.
Fans have noticed. Analysts have noticed. And so, clearly, has Roberts. Moving Betts out of the leadoff spot was step one. Whether step two involves sliding him even further down the lineup—perhaps to sixth or seventh—remains to be seen, but the fact that it’s being seriously considered tells you everything about the urgency of the situation.
There’s also a bigger-picture element at play here. The Dodgers, while still among the best teams in the National League, have been inconsistent offensively. They’ve struggled to put together complete games at the plate. In several key matchups recently, they’ve left runners on base, squandered scoring opportunities, and looked out of sync. A slumping leadoff hitter only magnifies those issues. If Betts isn’t getting on base, the chain reaction impacts everyone behind him—from Freddie Freeman to Shohei Ohtani.
To Betts’ credit, he hasn’t made excuses. He’s answered questions honestly, admitted he’s not where he wants to be, and continued to work. That’s who he is: accountable, professional, team-first. He knows the game is one of constant adjustments, and right now, he’s searching for his next one. He’s tinkered with his stance. He’s adjusted his timing mechanism. He’s spent extra time in the cage. But nothing seems to be sticking.
“It’s frustrating, obviously,” Betts said recently. “I hold myself to a high standard, and when I’m not performing, I feel like I’m letting my team down. But I’ve been through tough stretches before. You’ve got to stay with the process.”
The problem is that the Dodgers can’t afford to wait forever. They’re locked in a competitive playoff race, fighting not just for seeding but also for momentum as October looms. Every game matters, and while loyalty and track record are important, production is paramount. Roberts has always prioritized winning—and if that means making uncomfortable decisions, he’s shown he’s willing to do it.
That said, the idea of moving Betts down in the order is not without precedent. Even great players go through it. In 2018, a slumping Cody Bellinger was moved down. In 2022, Trea Turner was briefly dropped. Managers often use these lineup tweaks as a way to relieve pressure, to get a player better matchups, or simply to shake things up. For some, it works like a charm. For others, it changes little. But in Betts’ case, the hope would be that moving him to a less spotlighted spot could allow him to reset mentally and mechanically.
It also opens the door for others to step up. The Dodgers have a handful of capable leadoff options—players like Gavin Lux, Will Smith, or even the red-hot Jason Heyward could slot in atop the order, allowing Betts to move to the five or six spot where he might see more fastballs and less pressure. In that configuration, Betts could serve as a table-setter for the bottom of the order while rebuilding his confidence.
Still, it’s a tough call. There’s always risk in moving a player like Betts. If the change doesn’t lead to improvement, it could further dent his confidence. Worse, it might create unnecessary drama in the clubhouse. But the Dodgers are a veteran group, and Betts is respected enough that any decision involving him will be handled with care and professionalism.
One thing working in Betts’ favor is his track record. He’s had slow starts before. He’s had slumps. But he’s always bounced back. He’s not just a good hitter—he’s a great one, with years of proof behind it. His baseball IQ is off the charts, and his work ethic is second to none. There’s a belief, both inside and outside the clubhouse, that he’ll figure it out.
Even so, the Dodgers can’t afford to wait indefinitely. With each passing game, the pressure mounts. The playoffs are fast approaching, and Los Angeles will need all hands on deck. A productive Mookie Betts is a game-changer. A slumping one is a liability. And that’s the harsh reality of life in a championship chase.
Some fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions. While many remain supportive of Betts, others are calling for more drastic changes. “You can’t let him keep leading off if he’s not getting on base,” one fan posted on X. “We need a spark, not an automatic out.” Others have urged patience, citing Betts’ past and the idea that every great hitter eventually finds his rhythm again.
Roberts finds himself walking a tightrope. On one side is loyalty—to a player who’s done everything the right way and helped the team win at the highest level. On the other is accountability—and the recognition that winning sometimes means making hard choices. It’s a manager’s job to navigate those waters, and Roberts has proven adept at it over the years.
For now, Betts remains in the lineup, albeit in a different role. But if the slump continues, don’t be surprised if Roberts pulls the trigger on a more significant move. The stakes are too high, the margin for error too small, and the calendar too unforgiving. The Dodgers are trying to win a World Series. Every decision counts.
As for Betts, he’ll continue to work. Continue to search. And if history is any guide, he’ll come out the other side of this slump better and stronger. That’s what great players do. They adapt. They grind. They figure it out. But until that happens, the Dodgers must do what’s best for the team. And if that means moving Mookie Betts down in the order, so be it.
After all, October doesn’t care about résumés—it only rewards results.
