Dodgers' Mookie Betts will play right field after returning from injured list

Betts had been the Dodgers' regular shortstop prior to suffering a broken hand

By Dayn Perry Aug 9, 2024 at 8:12 pm ET• 1 min read

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts will shift back to his traditional position of right field after he returns from the injured list, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday: 

When Mookie Betts returns to the Dodgers next week, he will actually immediately go back to right field — not shortstop as originally planned

Dave Roberts said he and Betts had a “good conversation” about it last night, and decided it’s what made most sense right now

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 9, 2024

Betts, who's been out since June 16 with a fractured left hand, had been the Dodgers' regular shortstop prior to his injury. Betts is in line to be activated from the IL on Monday.

Betts' surprise assignment at shortstop was a consequence of Gavin Lux's throwing difficulties. Betts was drafted as an infielder by the Boston Red Sox, and when he was in the lowest rungs of the system he saw time at short back in 2010 and 2011. He's seen occasional time at second base in the majors, but 916 of Betts' 1,299 starts in the majors have come as a right fielder. He's also a six-time Gold Glover at the position.