Mookie Betts Given Day Off by Dodgers Amid Lingering Career-Worst Slump

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to give Mookie Betts a day off on Saturday, a decision made after Betts went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in the second-half opener, extending his slump to 0-for-12 and his season batting average to a career-low .241 with a .688 OPS. Betts has openly expressed his frustration, stating he's 'never been this bad for this long,' and admitted to feeling the weight of letting the team down. His season-long struggles, which included batting just .185 over 31 games before the All-Star break, are believed to stem from a spring training stomach illness that caused significant weight loss and disrupted his hitting mechanics, with the hitting coach identifying inefficiencies in his arm and hand 'load.' While playing shortstop full-time is considered a contributing factor, the Dodgers have no plans to move him from the position or change his batting order spot. Roberts expects Betts to return to the lineup Sunday, though he remains open to another day off, emphasizing that the break is for mental benefit and not due to injury.