Mookie Betts wasted no time making an impact in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Monday, following a two-month hiatus due to a fractured left hand, told Reuters. In his second plate appearance of the night, Betts crushed a two-run home run off Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta, sending an inside fastball soaring over the left-field wall. The blast marked Betts’ 11th home run of the season, signaling his comeback in style.
The home run was a moment of sweet revenge for Betts, who had been overpowered by Peralta in his first at-bat. The 11-year MLB veteran swung and missed at a slider, stumbling awkwardly to the left side of the batter’s box. However, Betts quickly adjusted and made Peralta pay for his next appearance on the plate.
Betts finished the game 2-for-4 with the home run, three RBIs, one run scored, and one strikeout, helping the Dodgers secure a 5-2 victory over the Brewers.
Aside from his performance at the plate, Betts made a notable shift in the field as well. On Monday, he returned to right field—a position he has played for the majority of his career, including during his 2018 MVP season with the Boston Red Sox. Betts had been the Dodgers’ starting shortstop until his injury, a position he transitioned to during spring training due to Gavin Lux’s throwing issues. He played 65 games at shortstop this season, starting 61 of them. However, with his return to the lineup, Betts and the team decided it was in their best interest for him to move back to his more familiar spot in right field.
“I think it was kind of a mutual thing, but I would say I mostly went to them,” Betts told the Los Angeles Times’ Mike Digiovanna. “I said, ‘Listen, I believe I can do it, but I want to win, man. I want to win. And I don’t know if me [at shortstop] is the best solution.'”
Betts’ return to right field allows the Dodgers to maintain a strong defensive presence while also maximizing their offensive potential. Veteran outfielder Jason Heyward, who has filled in at right field during Betts’ absence, has provided solid defense but has struggled at the plate, hitting just .204 with a .665 OPS.
As Betts continues to regain his form, the Dodgers are undoubtedly hoping his return will provide the spark they need as they push towards the postseason. With his combination of power, defense, and leadership, Betts remains a vital piece of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.