Dodgers give Mookie Betts at least one game off amid slump

Field Level Media|published: 07/19/2025, 8:51pm EDT

Jul 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Mookie Betts looks around during batting practice prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are giving shortstop Mookie Betts at least a game off, starting Saturday with the team's matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Manager Dave Roberts came to the decision after Betts went 0-for-4 on Friday.

"I don't know how long it's going to be. It could be one night, it could be two," Roberts told reporters on Saturday. "My expectation is he's going to be back in there tomorrow."

Whether Betts plays Sunday will depend on how mentally prepared he feels, according to Roberts.

The 32-year-old, a former American League MVP and surefire Hall of Famer, is having the worst year of his illustrious career. Betts is batting a career-low .241/.311/.377 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs in 90 games. For the first time in five seasons, he wasn't named to the All-Star Game.

Betts has hit only .188 and has struck out nine times while walking once in July.

"I've never done this," Betts told The Athletic. "It's all new. I've never been this bad for this long."

--Field Level Media