Who’s the better player: Mookie Betts or Shohei Ohtani? It’s a question that sparks debate, but Betts himself has weighed in, humbly saying, “Can’t say I’m better.” Mookie Betts is about to return from a fractured wrist injury. He used to play as a leadoff hitter for the Dodgers but in his absence, Shohei Ohtani started playing there. Simultaneously Ohtani became the best hitter in the league. While every fan was waiting to see his comeback, soon after his injury, there were high speculations as to whether Mookie Betts would shift to another position or not.

Now, Mookie Betts has ended those questions by confirming that he’ll do whatever Ohtani wants him to do. He is ready to go for any change that’s necessary for the Dodgers to win. The eight-time all-star has once again proved, that he is here for the win whoever bats first or second doesn’t matter. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that they have ongoing conversations with Betts about “What’s best for him. What’s best for the team.” 

Mookie Betts prioritizes team goals: “Whatever Shohei Says Goes”

Amidst Shohei Ohtani’s league-leading 35th home run, Mookie Betts puts the team first. Even though he’s been a top leadoff hitter, Betts said he’s open to moving to the No. 2 spot. Especially if that’s what the Dodgers need. Mookie shared his candid reaction to the Dodgers’ decision to keep Shohei Ohtani at Leadoff amid his return to the team. “I CAN’T SAY I’M BETTER THAN SHOHEL… WHATEVER SHOHEI SAYS GOES.” 

Indeed, Shohei is at the peak of his career with a 302 batting average with 133 hits, 16  home runs, and 37  RBIs scored in 43 games (as a leadoff) this season, and on the other hand, Mookie Betts has 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 50 runs scored in 72 games. This season before he got injured, and broke his left hand when he was hit by a pitch during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals on June 16.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts supported this, stressing that the team needs to do whatever it takes to win. “We’re in a pennant race right now — we have a [2 ½-game] lead — so we have to do what’s best for the club,” Roberts affirmed, and hence, it’s certain that the Dodgers will do anything to win this year. And did you know, this isn’t the only change the Dodgers have made in the team? 

Betts will not return as the shortstop?

Before Friday night’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Roberts made another announcement stating that Mookie Betts will not return as the shortstop but will play from the right field instead. Last winter, the Dodgers moved Betts from right field to second base. However, after shortstop Gavin Lux made many errors during spring training. Betts was moved to shortstop, a position he hadn’t played consistently since high school. Lux was thereby sent to second.

Although, initially, Mookie Betts made some errors, he found himself getting better at his new position day by day. Soon after, Rojas returned from his forearm injury on Wednesday and Lux became one of the best hitters from the past month. Roberts felt like at this point it would be best for the team if Betts was in the right field. When Betts was asked about how he felt about this transition he said, “I think it was kind of a mutual thing, but I would say I mostly went to them.”

Mookie Betts continued, “I said, ‘Listen I believe I can do it, but I want to win, man. And I don’t know if me [at shortstop] is the best solution.’I loved the challenge of playing shortstop, but you also have to be real with yourself and the team, and do what’s best.” It’s clear how selfless Betts is, and the Dodgers were grateful for his flexibility and willingness to go above and beyond for the team to win. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes added, “Mookie is a superstar who is a rarity — ’Hey, I will take on any challenges to help the team.’ He’s somebody who puts the team first. He’s just, ‘I’m good with whatever, let’s go win a World Series’.”

Mookie Betts is currently in the fourth year of his 12-year, with a $365-million contract. Although he hasn’t played right field this season, he has previously won six Golden Glove awards while being there. This transition will not only affect Bett but also the other players, pushing right fielder Jason Heyward to the bench. Moreover, Teoscar Hernández will also have to be shifted from right field to left. What are your thoughts about Betts’ transition back to the right field and moving to No. 2? Let us know in the comments below.