SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MARCH 21: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks during a press conference ahead of the 2024 Seoul Series game between San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 21, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Just In: Dodgers Coach Credits 35 year old shortstop for Tutelage of Mookie Betts
The Dodgers surprised many this past off-season by shifting Mookie Betts from right field, where he had won six Gold Glove awards, to second base. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the announcement in December. Even more surprising was the announcement in March that Betts would not be playing second base this season after all.
Since moving to shortstop, Betts has had to make a number of adjustments on the fly. He’s had plenty of help.
Chief among them: Dodgers teammate Miguel Rojas, who was one of baseball’s best defensive shortstops last year in somewhat limited playing time. Rojas accrued six Outs Above Average, according to Statcast, more than making up for the injury absence of Gavin Lux – in the field, at least.
With Betts becoming the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop, Rojas is taking on more of a utility infielder role in 2024. He’s also taking on the role of mentor, helping Betts learn the finer points of shortstop before every game
Chief among them: Dodgers teammate Miguel Rojas, who was one of baseball’s best defensive shortstops last year in somewhat limited playing time. Rojas accrued six Outs Above Average, according to Statcast, more than making up for the injury absence of Gavin Lux – in the field, at least.
With Betts becoming the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop, Rojas is taking on more of a utility infielder role in 2024. He’s also taking on the role of mentor, helping Betts learn the finer points of shortstop before every game:
Meanwhile, one other man has benefitted tremendously from Rojas’ tutelage of Betts: Dodgers infielders coach Dino Ebel.
Ebel has been patiently hitting as many ground balls as Betts desires before each game, while also offering some pointers of his own. Of course, coaching is Ebel’s job. What can Rojas teach Betts that he can’t?
