Dodgers: Mookie Betts Returns to the Lineup After 2 Days Off
The Dodgers and Cardinals are set to kick off a series tonight in Los Angeles. St Louis comes into this one with a hot offense and a series win over Arizona. It’s going to be a great pitching matchup too, with Trevor Bauer taking on RHP Jack Flaherty.
The good news for the Dodgers is that Mookie Betts will be back in the lineup. Betts sat out Saturday’s loss as part of a scheduled off day. He was once again forced to sit out on Sunday when his allergies made it difficult to open up his eyes.
Dave Roberts later revealed that he was available to come off of the bench, but the Dodgers did not go to him in the loss. Doc did not mention why they did not use him ina game that Los Angeles ended up losing by just 1 run.
Tonight’s #Dodgers lineup, with Mookie Betts back in there pic.twitter.com/IB0NyAQAKx
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) May 31, 2021
The Dodgers are hoping to get Mookie more consistent at the plate, but that has meant resting him often during the season. He’s also had to deal with a back issue that sidelined him as well as a forearm issue after being hit by a pitch.
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With all of the injuries suffered early on in the season, Mookie’s scheduled off days were much more noticeable to Dodgers fans. He’s currently slashing .240/.355/.427, all of which would be near career-lows for the superstar.
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We are really getting to really appreciate players like Gehrig and Ripken, who played every day for years. Athletes today simply cannot do that anymore. Mookie Betts seems to be able to do everything without much effort, but he really needs his rest. He should have been benched a week ago, at least for a game or 2. He was excellent in his return and, hopefully, he will be excellent after his next return.
Yes Mookie did much better in his first game back. Hopefully he’ll have a good run now. I’m afraid the old baseball days are never coming back. The ol timers would hardly recognize today’s game.