I can't understand why I'm in a slump, Dodgers shortstop Betts lamented: I can only leave it to God.

Dodgers MVP star Mookie Betts has been struggling this year, having lost weight due to a stomach issue before the season started. Although he feels physically fine, his performance has been disappointing. Head coach Dave Roberts has tried benching him for rest and switching batting order with Shohei Ohtani for 11 games. Roberts mentioned, "Leading off can feel a bit special," but none of these strategies have worked for Betts.

Betts said, "I've tried everything, and the results are pretty much the same. I can't find the answer. I've done everything I can do, and now I can only leave it to God." Betts has discussed adjusting his swing with the hitting coach, and Roberts believes there may also be psychological issues. In July, Betts lost his stepfather, and he took time off to support his mother and siblings. Betts remarked, "He has been with me since fourth grade, and this is a difficult time for me and my family."

At 32, Betts should still be at his peak physically. Since joining the Dodgers in 2020, he has consistently performed at an MVP level, but this season his batting average has plummeted to .233 with an OPS of .664, below the league average for hitters.

Teammate Shohei Ohtani has also experienced unexplained slumps. In 2020, Ohtani played 44 games for the Angels, hitting just .190 with an OPS of .657, even lower than minor league rookies. At that time, head coach Joe Maddon was at a loss and could only trust that Ohtani would eventually find his way out. The following year, Ohtani hit 46 home runs and drove in 100 runs, winning the unanimous AL MVP and becoming one of the strongest players in the league in the years to come.