LOS ANGELES – Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sunday he currently has no clear solution for mookie Betts’ prolonged offensive slump, a concerning advancement as teh team navigates a tight NL West race.
Betts, a key component of the Dodgers’ championship aspirations, has struggled throughout the 2024 season. While specific statistics weren’t detailed in the initial report, his performance has noticeably dipped from his usual elite level, prompting questions about potential adjustments or underlying issues. Roberts’ admission underscores the challenge the team faces in unlocking Betts’ potential.
In related news,veteran catcher Austin Barnes,a Dodger since 2015,is unlikely to return to the association even on a minor league deal following his release on August 1st. Barnes appeared in 612 games for Los Angeles, achieving a .223 batting average, a .660 OPS, 35 home runs, and 162 RBIs. He was a member of the Dodgers’ World Series-winning teams in 2020 and 2024.
The Dodgers acquired Ben rortvedt from the Tampa Bay Rays on July 30th in exchange for Hunter Feduccia, providing a younger catching option at the Triple-A level. Rortvedt, 26, was originally drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft. This move diminishes the likelihood of Barnes being brought back to fill a potential void should Will Smith or Diego Cartaya become unavailable.
Despite Betts’ struggles, the Dodgers currently lead the National League West. The San Diego Padres, having won seven of their last ten games, trail by three games, setting the stage for a crucial mid-August series. The dodgers’ current record is 78-39 as of August 11th, 2024, while the Padres hold a record of 75-42.
The Dodgers are set to begin a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday at 7:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium.The series offers an opportunity for the Dodgers to extend their lead in the division. The Cardinals currently have a record of 61-56.
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