Dodgers See Value in Rortvedt‘s pitching Support, While Betts and Ohtani Show Signs of Strength
Los Angeles – A quiet resurgence is unfolding within the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup and on the pitching staff, highlighted by the steady performance of backup catcher Ben Rortvedt and the returning form of key players Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. Despite a modest .132 batting average over 76 at-bats this season,Rortvedt has become a crucial component in supporting the Dodgers’ pitching rotation,earning praise from manager Dave Roberts. “He’s a backup catcher that’s there for his pitchers, and he’s done a great job of receiving, learning these pitchers and trying to understand what they’re good at, to go through sequencing, targeting, and so it’s nice,” Roberts said after Tuesday’s game.Rortvedt’s ability to effectively manage games has been demonstrably impactful, having been behind the plate for two near-no-hitters in his recent starts.
With starting catcher Will Smith still experiencing discomfort and Dalton Rushing sidelined for an extended period, Rortvedt is expected to see increased playing time as the season progresses. The Dodgers aren’t necessarily seeking offensive firepower from the position, but rather a reliable presence capable of guiding pitchers. Simultaneously,Mookie Betts appears to be regaining his All-Star form,according to Sonja Chen at MLB.com, after briefly considering his season lost just a month ago.
Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to make his next start against the Philadelphia Phillies following recent adjustments to the Dodgers’ rotation, as reported by Beth Harris of the Associated Press. This matchup is particularly notable given the Phillies’ playoff contention and the Dodgers’ ongoing efforts to solidify their position.In organizational news, the Washington Nationals are reportedly targeting Dodgers senior vice president Josh Byrnes for their new head of baseball operations, as detailed by Ken Rosenthal and colleagues at The Athletic, as the Nationals undergo significant front-office changes.
