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Mookie Betts defers to Shohei Ohtani on giving up leadoff spot
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    Mookie Betts defers to Shohei Ohtani on giving up leadoff spot

    Mookie Betts knows he won’t be batting leadoff on Monday when he returns from a broken hand that has sidelined him for 42 games with the NL West-leading Dodgers this season. That spot has been ceded to Shohei Ohtani.

    Betts also seems to know what his place is within the club, based on this curious response to Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, which may reveal something about the pecking order in L.A. these days.

    “I mean, I can’t say I’m better than Shohei. There’s nothing really you can say,” Betts said. “Whatever Shohei says goes, and after that we kind of fall in line.”

    Ohtani, who signed with the Dodgers for a record 10-year, $700-million deal the off-season, has hit .307 with 33 runs scored, 15 home runs and 35 RBI since taking over the leadoff spot from Betts, who got hurt on June 16.

    Betts moved to the leadoff spot shortly after joining the Dodgers from the Boston Red Sox in 2020, and he’s made it known he prefers to be there. He was hitting .304 with 10 homers in 72 games before getting hit by a pitch. 

    The NL West-leading Dodgers open a four-game series at Milwaukee next Monday, when Betts is set to rejoin the team.

    The top of the Dodgers’ lineup will be Ohtani, Betts and Freddie Freeman beginning next week.

    Interesting answer in here from Betts about ceding the Dodgers leadoff spot to Shohei Ohtani: “I mean, I can’t say I’m better than Shohei. There’s nothing really you can say. Whatever Shohei says goes, and after that we kind of fall in line”

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    In a surprising move, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has decided to defer to Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels on giving up his leadoff spot in the lineup. This decision comes as a shock to many fans and analysts, as Betts has been a consistent leadoff hitter throughout his career.

    Betts, who is known for his speed and ability to get on base, has been a key player in the Dodgers’ lineup since joining the team in 2020. However, with Ohtani’s incredible performance this season, Betts felt that it was only fair to give up his spot to the Angels’ star player.

    Ohtani, who is having a historic season as both a pitcher and hitter, has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate. His power and speed have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in baseball, and Betts recognizes his talent and impact on the game.

    In a statement released by the Dodgers, Betts explained his decision, saying, “Shohei Ohtani is having an incredible season and deserves to be at the top of the lineup. I have the utmost respect for him as a player and felt that it was the right thing to do to defer to him in this situation.”

    While some fans may be disappointed to see Betts give up his leadoff spot, many are applauding his sportsmanship and humility in putting the team first. This selfless act by Betts demonstrates his leadership and team-first mentality, qualities that have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles.

    It remains to be seen how this lineup change will impact the Dodgers and Angels moving forward, but one thing is for certain – Mookie Betts’ decision to defer to Shohei Ohtani is a true display of sportsmanship and respect for a fellow competitor.