Mookie Betts goes hitless in doubleheader against Yankees

Mookie Betts went hitless in both games of Sunday’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees, extending his slump to four straight games without a hit. The Dodgers star finished 0-for-7 with two walks, dropping his OPS to .689. Despite his struggles, Betts drove in a run for the fifth consecutive game, but his offensive woes remain a concern for Los Angeles.

What happened in the doubleheader?

In the first game, Betts went 0-for-3 as the Dodgers lost 8-2. In the second game, he struck out on three pitches in the ninth inning with the tying run on first base, sealing a 2-1 loss. His error in the eighth inning of the second game also ended Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s perfect game bid, though the Dodgers still managed to hold the Yankees to just two runs.

Why is this slump concerning?

Betts, a future Hall of Famer, has struggled at the plate for much of the season, with the exception of a strong second half of June. His batting average and OPS have plummeted, raising questions about his role in the Dodgers’ lineup. Manager Dave Roberts may need to reconsider Betts’ position as the cleanup hitter if his struggles continue.

What’s next for Mookie Betts and the Dodgers?

The Dodgers will face the Sacramento team in their next three games before returning home for back-to-back series against the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies. Betts has historically performed well against the Padres, who were one of the few teams interested in trading for him before he joined the Dodgers in 2020. If he can regain his form, he could be a key contributor in these crucial matchups.