Mookie Betts has hit one of the roughest patches of his career in 2024. He went through a brutal slump, including a personal-worst 22 straight at-bats without a hit.
Lately, though, there are some hopeful signs that the Dodgers superstar is starting to turn things around. He’s gone back to mechanics from his Red Sox days and worked on his mindset, and you can finally see flashes of the player fans expect.
The Dodgers need him now more than ever, with the division race getting tighter by the day.
Mookie Betts’ Struggles Reach Uncharted Territory
Slumps happen to everyone, even guys like Betts, but this one felt different. That 22 at-bat hitless streak was the longest of his career and really forced him to reevaluate everything.
He watched old video from his Boston days and reached out to J.D. Martinez for advice. Still, nothing seemed to click at first, and the slump dragged on longer than anyone liked.
Faith from the Top of the Lineup
Through it all, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts kept Betts near the top of the order. Roberts clearly trusts Betts to find his way back, and that confidence has been a steadying force during a rocky stretch.
Betts got the chance to work through his struggles without being shuffled down the lineup, which not every manager would do.
The First Signs of a Breakthrough
This week, Betts finally showed some life at the plate. On Tuesday, he snapped the hitless streak with three hits in one game.
The next day, he doubled, and then on Friday, he crushed his first home run since July 5 against the Blue Jays. That’s a relief for everyone following along.
A Shift in Mindset
Betts admitted he needed a mental reset. He said his season is “kind of over” if you’re looking at personal stats, so now he’s just focused on helping the Dodgers win, one game at a time.
Roberts thinks this shift, plus some small tweaks to Betts’ swing, is helping bring back his confidence. There’s a new energy in his approach lately.
A Special Night Against Elite Competition
Friday’s home run meant more than just breaking a drought — it came off Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner. That game also featured a rare showdown between Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw, maybe the last time we’ll see that matchup.
Betts did more than just hit, too. He made a diving catch in right field that started a huge double play, bailing Kershaw out of a jam. That’s the kind of play that gets everyone fired up.
Numbers Still Below Standard, But Trending Up
Even with this recent spark, Betts’ OPS is still at .680, which is low for him. But you can see it’s ticking upward, finally some positive momentum.
With Betts’ talent, a little hot streak can turn into something much bigger in a hurry. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him catch fire soon.
Why Betts’ Rebound Matters for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ division lead has shrunk lately, and their offense has been shaky. Getting Betts back on track could be exactly what they need to regain momentum for the stretch run.
He sets the tone from the leadoff spot, and his defense is still a huge asset in the outfield.
- Offensive Spark: When Betts gets on base or hits for power, every inning feels different.
- Defensive Versatility: His glove and instincts save runs and can change a game’s mood.
- Leadership: A confident Betts lifts the whole clubhouse. You can just feel it.
Looking Ahead
If Betts keeps up this early burst, it could be the moment his season—and maybe the Dodgers’—turns around. Baseball’s a mental grind as much as a physical one.
Betts decided to focus more on the team than his own stats. Maybe that’s the spark the Dodgers need for a late push.
Right now, Dodgers fans are watching every move. It’s not just about the big hits, but those little signs that Mookie Betts might be ready to remind us all why he’s one of the game’s most dangerous players.
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