Mookie Betts is experiencing the worst offensive season of his career, with a batting average of .236 and an OPS of .670. He transitioned from right field to shortstop this season and has performed well defensively, ranking in the 74th percentile in Outs Above Average. Despite this, his hitting struggles have raised concerns as the Dodgers lose their NL West lead. Issues, including a stomach illness and personal loss, may have contributed to his slump. To overcome these challenges, Betts sought help from former teammate J.D. Martinez during a road trip.
Mookie Betts is having the worst offensive season of his career, hitting .236 with 11 home runs, 48 runs batted and an OPS of .670. This offensive downturn contrasts sharply with his previously established performance standards, as he has never recorded an OPS lower than .803 since 2017. The transition from right field to shortstop has presented unique challenges for Betts this season, though he has excelled defensively, ranking in the 74th percentile in Outs Above Average.
Despite an impressive defensive shift to shortstop, Betts has struggled at the plate, contributing to the Dodgers losing their lead in the NL West. Betts batted .148 with an OPS of .411 while hitting leadoff, raising concerns about his impact on the team. Compounding his difficulties, Betts dealt with a stomach illness at the season's outset and also experienced personal loss, which may have affected his performance throughout the year.
In search of solutions for his batting struggles, Mookie Betts reached out to former teammate J.D. Martinez, who traveled to a batting cage in Tampa to work with him. The collaboration stems from their successful history with the 2018 World Series champion Red Sox, as both players have had significant roles on their respective teams. Martinez's experience includes an All-Star season with the Dodgers, where he recorded an OPS of .893 and further establishes his capability to assist Betts.
Mookie Betts, previously recognized as a premier hitter, is currently at risk of becoming a liability for the Los Angeles Dodgers during a critical phase of their season. With an OPS plus of just 88, a stark contrast from his expectations, Betts is under pressure to rediscover his form to aid the Dodgers in maintaining their competitive status in the NL West. His performance could ultimately influence the team's potential to secure a postseason berth.
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