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Given all that, it felt like an excellent time for a Dodgers mailbag. Because of everybody who submitted questions, which have been flippantly edited for readability. Let’s get into it:
Contemplating Mookie Betts’ batting efficiency over the previous couple of months, is there any discuss transferring him down within the order? — Terry P. from Jasper, Ga.
Supervisor Dave Roberts has been agency that he isn’t planning on hitting Betts decrease than second. Agree or disagree, this seems to be how issues are going to be.
My take is that Roberts is attempting to create stability for Betts and the lineup as a complete. A part of his rationale for hitting Betts within the two-hole is that Will Smith — the logical choice to hit second — will get two days off per week, so it is not an on a regular basis resolution. The way in which Roberts sees it, as he instructed reporters at Dodger Stadium on Monday, “There is not any higher different.”
I am of the opinion that batting order does not matter that a lot. However while you take a look at it as whom you’d moderately have take an additional at-bat on a given day — Betts or Smith — the reply is evident.
Is there any likelihood that Mookie will see motion in proper area in the course of the stretch run or within the playoffs? — George L. from Rolling Hills Estates, Calif.
I believe it is not out of the query if there is a compelling motive for Betts to maneuver again to proper, like there was final yr. However as of now, the Dodgers contemplate him their shortstop.
Who do you see because the nearer in October if Blake Treinen does not come round and the membership has given up on Tanner Scott? Ben Casparius looks like a chance, however with solely 37 video games and two saves in his large league profession it looks like a leap of religion. — Billy F. from Hermosa Seaside, Calif.
Alex Vesia has been the Dodgers’ steadiest high-leverage reliever (even after Wednesday’s hiccup). However he is been extra of a fireman, so I would not anticipate him to be reserved for the ninth inning.
Fairly frankly, given these parameters, there’s probably not a transparent alternative. I am intrigued by Bobby Miller’s transfer to the bullpen with Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis, however I might prefer to see a much bigger pattern earlier than drawing any conclusions about his long-term success in that function. Finest-case situation, Treinen shakes off the rust and Scott will get wholesome and figures issues out.
Are all of Shohei Ohtani’s strikeouts regarding? The Dodgers have all the time been often called a workforce with nice consciousness of the strike zone, however Ohtani does not appear to suit the mould. Are they prepared to reside with the strikeouts within the identify of leaving him who he’s as a participant and never risking shedding that “athletic” a part of his recreation? — Tani S. from Houston, Texas
The Dodgers have a tendency to learn when Ohtani swings large. However swing-and-miss is a aspect impact.
Ohtani is placing out at a 26.9% clip this yr, an uptick from his profession mark of 25.6%. Requested concerning the distinction between this yr and final, Roberts has observed some conditions the place Ohtani’s not shortening up his swing to increase an at-bat.
It also needs to be stated that Ohtani has been placing out at the next price since his return to pitching, so his adjustment to being a two-way participant once more could have one thing to do with it. I believe it is honest to say it is a short-term concern, however in all probability not a long-term challenge.
Wish to examine in on a number of the injured gamers that we now have not heard as a lot about these days, to see how they’re progressing and the chances of seeing them on the mound earlier than the season ends. Guys like Brusdar Graterol, River Ryan, Kyle Harm. Even Tony Gonsolin. — Steven W. from Auburn, Wash.
There hasn’t been a lot details about the gamers rehabbing in Arizona, however Graterol, Ryan and Harm are all working by throwing progressions. Graterol is anticipated again by the top of the season, however I’d be shocked if Ryan and Harm return this yr. They’re each about 12 months post-op, and that will be a comparatively fast timetable.
My guess is that Gonsolin will not be again this season. He is nearly out of time to construct up a starter, and even when he have been to construct up for a short-burst function, he isn’t throwing but, so far as we have seen.
