The Los Angeles Dodgers’ infield has become a hotbed of debate, with manager Dave Roberts’ decision to potentially keep Miguel Rojas at shortstop upon Mookie Betts’ return sparking a flurry of opinions. The move, which would shift Betts to second base, is a gamble that has divided expert analysts, who are weighing the risks and rewards of this strategic maneuver. As Roberts himself admitted, “I would, I would,” when asked if he would consider keeping Rojas at shortstop, signaling his openness to this unorthodox move.

The 35-year-old Rojas, initially envisioned as a utility player, has emerged as a defensive stalwart at shortstop, showcasing his “excellent range,” “soft, sure hands,” and a “strong and accurate throwing arm,” according to Dodgers third-base coach Dino Ebel. Dave Roberts further emphasizes Rojas’ value, stating, “He’s having a heck of a year offensively and defensively, and I love the edge, the energy, he brings every night.”

Meanwhile, Betts, a six-time Gold Glove winner in right field, has experienced a mixed bag of results since transitioning to shortstop. While his offensive production remains stellar, his defensive performance, marked by nine errors in 531 ⅓ innings, has raised questions about his suitability for the position.

Retired manager and coach Joe Maddon, speaking on MLB Now, expressed skepticism about the trend of prioritizing offense over defense at shortstop. He believes that players like Mookie Betts are better suited for the outfield, where their offensive prowess can be maximized without sacrificing defensive stability. Maddon argues, “When you look up the middle of a baseball field, catcher… short, second, and center field, I want defense first, man.”

The data paints a complex picture of Betts’ defensive abilities at shortstop. While he boasts a positive Defensive Runs Saved (+4) metric, his Fielding Run Value (-3) is negative, suggesting that he might not be as defensively sound as some of his counterparts. This discrepancy in metrics further fuels the debate surrounding his defensive capabilities.

Dave Roberts, however, remains optimistic about Rojas’ potential and is willing to consider keeping him at shortstop even after Betts returns. This decision, while bold, could have significant ramifications for the Dodgers’ infield dynamics and overall defensive performance. Roberts acknowledges the challenge of managing Rojas’ playing time, given his age and injury history, but also recognizes his immense value to the team.

The defense-first philosophy that challenges Mookie Betts’ shortstop experiment

Rojas’ ability to maintain his current form hinges on his health. The veteran infielder has a history of leg injuries, and the Dodgers will need to manage his workload carefully to ensure his availability throughout the season. Rojas himself is taking proactive measures to maintain his fitness, incorporating yoga, pilates, and blood flow restriction therapy into his routine.

If Rojas remains at shortstop, it could trigger a domino effect within the Dodgers’ infield. Gavin Lux, who has struggled offensively at second base, might find himself in a precarious position, further complicating Roberts’ lineup decisions. This potential shift could also impact the playing time of other infielders like Chris Taylor and Max Muncy.

The upcoming trade deadline adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. The Dodgers could explore external options at shortstop if they are not convinced by Rojas’ long-term viability or Mookie Betts’ defensive capabilities. However, Roberts’ confidence in Rojas suggests that they might be willing to stick with their internal options.

Rojas’ popularity within the clubhouse is another factor that cannot be ignored. His leadership and positive energy, described by Ebel as “the chip on his shoulder,” could be invaluable assets for the Dodgers, especially in the high-pressure environment of a playoff run.

Maddon, meanwhile, continues to advocate for prioritizing defense in the middle infield. He believes that a strong defensive foundation is crucial for a team’s success, especially in the latter stages of the season. Roberts’ sentiments of having “a lock-down guy” at shortstop in Rojas echoes Maddon’s emphasis on the defense.

As the Dodgers navigate this complex situation surrounding the now-injured Mookie Betts, the spotlight remains on Roberts and his willingness to gamble on Rojas’ defensive prowess. Whether this gamble pays off or backfires remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Dodgers’ infield will continue to be a source of fascination and debate for fans and analysts alike. As Roberts aptly puts it, “There is no exact science” to managing this situation, and the Dodgers will need to rely on a combination of data, intuition, and gut feeling to make the right call.