Mookie Betts, a versatile player, will be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ shortstop for the 2024 season, replacing Gavin Lux.
Lux, who missed the previous season due to a knee injury, was replaced by veteran Miguel Rojas. Lux’s defensive abilities at second base were a factor in the decision.
Dave Roberts says Mookie Betts' move to shortstop will be "permanent, for now."
Gavin Lux will move to second base, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/uvqjEcW2oS
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 8, 2024
Betts, previously an outfielder, played as a second baseman last season but will now take over at shortstop. Lux’s defensive struggles and throwing issues influenced the decision.
The team hopes this move will give Lux more plate appearances and relieve some defensive responsibilities.
Lux’s timing and defensive struggles during spring training led to Betts starting at shortstop on Opening Day.
The Dodgers made the announcement to Lux and Betts on Thursday.
Lux had a strong batting performance in 2022 but had defensive struggles that made the team hesitant to commit to him as an everyday shortstop.
The Dodgers believe this change will improve their defense. Betts will play several games at shortstop before the Opening Series in Seoul, South Korea.
The organization hopes this move will benefit Lux by reducing the toll on his body and giving him an opportunity to succeed.
The team believes Betts at shortstop and Lux at second base will give them the best chance to win games. This change comes as a surprise but is seen as necessary for the team’s success this season.
Dave Roberts said the decision was made to enter the season with Mookie Betts at SS and Gavin Lux at 2B to relieve any pressure Lux is feeling on defense and yet keep his bat in the lineup. Conversation was had with all concerned parties Thursday
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 8, 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a sudden and “permanent, for now” change at shortstop, with Mookie Betts taking over the position and Gavin Lux moving back to second base.
Lux had been struggling with throwing issues this spring, leading to the decision. Betts, despite primarily playing in the outfield throughout his career, is excited about the switch.
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called Mookie Betts’ move to shortstop “permanent, for now.” Gavin Lux will get all of his reps at second base moving forward.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 8, 2024
The Dodgers’ decision to prioritize a solid defense at shortstop reflects the pressure they face as one of the top teams in the league.
With Betts’ versatility and Lux’s potential, they aim to have a strong defensive presence that can impact their overall success this season.
While Roberts did not confirm if the change would last the entire season, the team is committed to finding a solution to their shortstop situation.
Dodgers lineup for Friday’s game:
1. Mookie Betts, SS
2. Shohei Ohtani, DH
3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
4. Teoscar Hernàndez, LF
5. Max Muncy, 3B
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Chris Taylor, CF
8. Gavin Lux, 2B
9. Austin Barnes, CBetts getting an opportunity at SS with Lux going back to 2B
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) March 8, 2024
Lux’s throwing issues are believed to be more mental than mechanical, with a lack of confidence playing a significant factor.
The Dodgers may have to explore the trade market to address the position further if Lux does not improve.
Tonight's #DodgersST lineup vs. Reds: pic.twitter.com/3BB1h6M63k
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 8, 2024
This change is significant as the team prepares for the opening day of the season in Korea.
Fans reacted as follows:
I don’t think Dave Roberts understands what the word “permanent” means
— Joey (@DJLeMVP) March 8, 2024
Temporarily permanent
— Scott Jacobsen (@statsobsession) March 8, 2024
Is mookie too good to play 2B?
Or is Lux just not good enough to play SS
— alex (@alexsacio) March 8, 2024
Did all that signing and forgot to get a legit SS who plays great defense. Willy Adames is garbage and Mookie Betts is great, but come on man lol
— WhateverYT (@WhateverYT3) March 8, 2024
What an unreal athlete mookie is to just cover for a failed SS prospect on the best team in the league.
— Alex Johnston (@Alex_Johnston8) March 8, 2024
More like moved to the trading block 🥲
Bye bye Lux
Now let’s go get a real shortstop por favor— too-tone2 (@smoothboybets) March 8, 2024
doesnt permanent for now just mean temporary?
— Evan Creager (@evanbam25) March 8, 2024
Roberts said there will be times when Betts moves to 2B and Lux sits against LH pitching. But it won't be a platoon thing where that happens against every LH.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 8, 2024
Roberts needs to win. If no ring in ‘24 he’s unemployed
— BklynBorn (@mgaax) March 8, 2024
Let’s hope lux can still play 2b cuz the yips don’t care where u play!
— Kevin (@bluegoon82) March 8, 2024
I’ll say it now and I’ll say it later, I want Lux to succeed but his throwing from short is the thing stopping him from truly coming back. I want to see him be in the lineup and be great. We shall see if the move benefits him or not. If not, Miggy or Kike are right there 👀
— Alejandro Viveros (@alviveros1994) March 8, 2024
With ALL that talent they didn't address the SS position? Mookie is a hell of an athlete but>>>
— B Burch (@bburchphoto) March 8, 2024
The right decision lux had major yips. Mookie wasn’t amazing at SS last year but the more reps he gets the better he will get
— Oasis Fan Account (@RyderBarrett) March 8, 2024
Things happen fast when you spend over $1 billion in one single off-season.
— Art Gonzalez (@Artgon04) March 8, 2024
This is wild to hear but maybe for the best. If he’s not ready he’s not ready
— JOhnNY On tHE SPot (@DbL007eVeN) March 8, 2024
mookie at short is the right play short term but i can’t see this being great for the long term. might need to pivot from lux. thoughts, noah?
— Reggie St. Cloud (@reggie_stcloud) March 8, 2024
it seems like Lux experiment at SS is near to the end.
— Brendon (@brendonkim217) March 8, 2024
Mookie Betts is starting at shortstop with Gavin Lux at second base
Now things get interesting
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) March 8, 2024
Mookie said last year that playing shortstop was “a dream come true.”
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 8, 2024
What’s going on at SS? 👀👀👀
— ⛓️Moving Chains⛓️ (@DDodgerTownT) March 8, 2024
Just give Rojas the starting job dude is a great ss. His batting wont kill the team kinda picked it up last szn.
— Zvchariah (@zvchariah) March 8, 2024
I figured before spring training Betts would likely be at short and Lux back at 2nd. Lux doesn't have the required arm strength, but his bat is promising.
— Alan Lee🏝🍷 (@AlanLLee) March 8, 2024
some SHOtani TIME, y’all pic.twitter.com/AyGegzuuBh
— Ultra (@UltraTV90) March 8, 2024
