Mookie Betts was moved from the second spot to the cleanup position for a Dodgers game against the Rockies, while Andy Pages moved up to hit second. The change was made because Betts had not been swinging well and appeared more anxious and tentative, especially when facing multiple at-bats at the top of the order. The adjustment aimed to give Betts a different look and allow him to focus on four at-bats. Betts had struggled since returning from the injured list, posting a .122 average in 49 at-bats. After the change, he hit two home runs, including one in his first at-bat, but he attributed the results to work rather than lineup position. The hitting issues were also linked to mechanics problems similar to those affecting other players.
"For me, you see he's not swinging well. You see there's a little bit more anxiousness, tentativeness. For me, it's just to kind of give him a different look. When you're hitting at the top of the order and you're taking on five at-bats in a night and you're not swinging well, it can be a lot to take on. So I feel that moving him down a couple slots just gives him a different look. Look forward to taking four at-bats and make the most of it."
"Um, no. I don't think that has anything to do with anything. I think it's just work. As long as you put in work, it doesn't matter if I'm hitting ninth, first or wherever. It's the same work. Pretty much put it to that."
"Betts has struggled at the plate since being activated from the injured list on May 11, with a .122 batting average in 49 at-bats entering Tuesday. The early results from the change were promising as Betts hit two home runs, including one in his first at-bat of the night. However, he stopped short of crediting that success to hitting from a different spot in the Dodgers' order."
Read at Dodger Blue
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