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Dodgers right-fielder Mookie Betts got here up as a second baseman, transferring to the outfield as a result of the Purple Sox had Dustin Pedroia blocking his path at second. We’d say the transfer labored out fairly effectively, with Betts winning the Gold Glove in right field in six of the final seven years.
Nonetheless, Betts loves taking part in the infield, and LA supervisor Dave Roberts has talked about utilizing 2B as an occasional break for Betts, conserving his bat within the lineup however slicing down on his operating from time to time. Mookie has performed seven video games at second base in every of the final two seasons.
Betts shall be taking part in for one more staff this spring — Team USA in the World Baseball Classic — and his supervisor there is considering the infield, too. Mark DeRosa was on Los Angeles radio lately and talked about the opportunity of Betts seeing time at second base.
“He would inform you he’s a second baseman that obtained moved to proper discipline. Hear, I’m going to honor Mookie — if he needs to see a little bit little bit of time at second base, then I’m actually going to get him some innings at second base. It may not be in an elimination recreation when our lives are on the road, however he actually goes to play some second base over the course of this. He’s useless set on this being a precedence for this. … He can just about do no matter he needs on a baseball discipline, however the issue is you need to justify that to the opposite 29 guys. In order that’s my factor, it’s like, I do know Mookie can get it accomplished, however I additionally need a true second baseman on the roster that has confirmed in huge spots he can flip a double play.”
Staff USA has Jeff McNeil on the roster, however he’s at present the one true second baseman. Trevor Story had been on the staff, however he received’t play attributable to harm. DeRosa additionally has Trea Turner, who played second base after being traded to the Dodgers in 2021, however that seems to be the extent of second base expertise on the roster.
So Mookie may play second base as a result of DeRosa likes him and desires him to be joyful, however he additionally may play second base as a result of it provides Staff USA the very best probability to win.
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