Mookie Betts Struggles to Break Playoff Slump as Dodgers Seek Redemption

San Diego — Mookie Betts, a prominent player in Major League Baseball, turned 32 years old on Monday. On the eve of his birthday, Betts had a clear plan for his celebration: focusing on improving his batting performance. “Hitting,” he succinctly stated.

Betts’ team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced a tough 10-2 loss in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday. Despite Betts’ intensive practice regimen, he went 0-for-4 during the game. A notable moment occurred when the opponent’s left fielder reached into the stands to catch what might have been a home run by Betts, marking a continuation of his struggles in recent postseasons.

Betts, an eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, has faced challenges in the Dodgers’ recent playoff campaigns. He is 2-for-31 in the last three postseason series, during which the Dodgers were twice ousted in the NLDS. Furthermore, Betts is currently without a hit in his last 22 playoff at-bats, matching one of the longest hitless streaks for a former MVP in postseason history.

Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, expressed his concerns over Betts’ recent playoff performance, noting that past frustrations might be affecting his current capabilities. “I’ll have a conversation with him,” Roberts said. “The fact is you can’t change the last ‘X’ amount of postseason games. I understand the burden a player might have. But all anyone is concerned about is right now and how to best prepare yourself mentally for tomorrow night and the first at-bat. So that’s going to be basically my message.”

Betts dedicated Monday’s practice to extensive batting workouts, reportedly taking around 400 swings and focusing on hitting pitches to right-center field off a high-velocity pitching machine. Despite this effort, Betts feels these attempts are necessary to break his slump. “If there’s another way,” he questioned, “please let me know.” He also dismissed thoughts of taking a break, expressing that “If I turn my brain off, it’s going to get worse. I have to keep trying.”

The pressure on Betts is further amplified as the team also deals with the uncertainty surrounding star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been nursing a sprained right ankle. Freeman was removed from Game 2 partway through due to his injury, causing additional strain on the Dodgers’ lineup.

Roberts emphasized, “He’s got to be Mookie,” referring to Betts’ need to perform. “I don’t expect any more than he’s done over his eight- or nine-year career. And it’s also up to the other players to chip in also. All of my ask is for the guys to be what they’ve been, what they’ve shown throughout their careers.”

Historically, Betts has performed well in pressure situations during regular seasons. He demonstrated a strong batting average of .309/.370/.580 in such circumstances this year and contributed significantly during past successful playoff runs, including a strong showing during the Dodgers’ World Series win in 2020.

While aware of his struggles, Betts acknowledges the scrutiny. “It’s pretty impossible,” he remarked, regarding escaping the pressure. “You guys [the media] are doing your jobs, but you’re asking me about it. So there’s no way to get away from it. The whole world knows. It’s not like it’s a secret. I know. Nobody’s telling me anything I don’t know already. Nobody can be any harder on myself. Only thing I can really do is look forward, but I know it’s there.”