Mookie Betts Returns to Leadoff Spot Amidst Career-Worst Slump

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts has been moved to the leadoff position for Sunday's game, a temporary shift aimed at helping him overcome a season-long slump. Betts, who last batted leadoff in June 2024, is currently hitting a career-low .241 with a .696 OPS and is 0-for-12 in his last three games, prompting manager Dave Roberts to give him Saturday off. Both Betts and Roberts believe his struggles stem from mechanical issues with his swing rather than his batting order position, and Betts utilized the All-Star break to work on his mechanics, with an expectation to move out of the leadoff spot when Max Muncy returns from the injured list.