After more than a year, Betts returns to the leadoff spot while Shohei Ohtani continues to hit home runs in the second spot.

Faced with Mookie Betts' persistent hitting struggles, manager Dave Roberts chose to return him to the leadoff position rather than drop him down the order, hoping this would help the shortstop find his rhythm again. In today's game, the Dodgers still fell 5-6 to the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, completing a sweep at home and suffering 10 losses in their last 12 games. This marks Betts' first time leading off since June 17, 2024—during which time only Shohei Ohtani missed two games due to paternity leave, with Betts consistently being in the second spot.

The new batting order is showing early results: In the third inning, Betts hit a single to center field, followed by Ohtani's two-run homer (only 11 of his 34 home runs this season have driven in runs). Roberts stated that this lineup will be maintained at least until third baseman Max Muncy returns from his left knee bone bruise (which is expected to take "a few weeks").

"At this stage, Mookie will bat first regardless of the pitcher," Roberts explained, "hoping this adjustment will enhance his on-base awareness to connect the offense." Before today's game, Betts had a batting average of .241 and an OPS of .688. Although he rested yesterday, he still participated in pre-game defensive drills and several hours of batting cage practice.

Betts has faced atypical challenges this season: he lost 18 pounds due to a gastrointestinal illness at the end of spring training, followed by a fractured left toe months later, and he is playing shortstop full-time for the first time in his career. However, he insists that these issues are unrelated to his hitting slump: "The root of the problem lies entirely within myself, not external factors."

Betts is exploring ways to adjust to a new phase in his career: "The correction mechanisms that used to work are no longer effective; I need to find a new reference system. This process is incredibly difficult." Since Muncy was placed on the injured list on July 4, the Dodgers' lineup has collectively struggled. While Ohtani has also been affected, his leadoff OPS of .991 still leads the league (the second-place Diamondbacks are at .907).

Roberts believes that the lineup adjustment will improve Betts' mindset: "Hitting adjustments are extremely subtle, but the leadoff role requires a mindset focused on getting on base, which should accelerate his recovery process." In his twelve-year illustrious career, Betts has never faced such a prolonged slump: "This is a new challenge, and I am still searching for a way to break through. I practice hard every day, waiting for a turning point."