Last week, Dave Roberts told Sports Illustrated that Mookie Betts would likely play around 40 games at second base this season, and the other 110 in right field. On Monday, however, he seemed to have a change of heart. When he was asked about Betts’ role in the infield, he told AM570 LA Sports Radio that he sees Betts playing 20 games this season at second base to give Miguel Vargas some days off — so, not 40.
This is definitely an interesting twist as a week ago, it appeared that Betts would be getting a pretty healthy amount of work in the infield. Now, however, it seems like he’s going to be getting a majority of his work in right — where the Dodgers like him, but Betts has made clear he doesn’t love.
Betts seemed to be very happy with the idea of playing 40 games at second base, so I don’t know if he’s going to be a little upset with this new change. I also don’t know why Roberts said 40 last week and then 20 this week.
Maybe it’s because he’s been really impressed with Vargas at second base, and envisions him as a real full-time second baseman. Or maybe it’s because he looked at the outfield lineup, and knows he needs Mookie out there on a pretty consistent basis.
Whatever the case, hopefully this doesn’t make Betts too upset, and he’s still happy with playing just 20 games in the infield this season.
We’ll update you if Dave provides a new update next week on Betts’ playing time at second base this season.
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