MLB News Today: Mookie Betts set to embrace new role; Marcus Stroman's next start pushed back and more
As the MLB season progresses, several teams prepare themselves for October, with many trying out something new before everything falls into place. With players returning, teams are finding them the best spot possible, while other teams have to adjust to injuries.
While the Dodgers shared news about Mookie Betts' return, the Yankees had a setback concerning their starting rotation. Let's take a look at what happened on Wednesday.
#1. Dodgers have a new spot for Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts hasn't been in the Dodgers lineup since the middle of June, owing to the fractured left hand he endured after being hit by a pitch. His recovery has gone smoothly and he looks forward to returning next week.
Amid this, an interesting development has come to the fore. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that when Betts returns, he will play shortstop and bat second after Shohei Ohtani. Roberts added that he decided this to separate two lefties; Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
When asked about it, Betts seemed ready to be batted out of the leadoff spot for the first time in over two years.
“I mean, I can’t say I’m better than Shohei,” Betts told reporters on Wednesday. “There’s nothing really you can say. Whatever Shohei says goes, and after that we kind of fall in line.”
#2. Marcus Stroman's next MLB start pushed back to Sunday
Of late, Yankees starter Marcus Stroman hasn't looked like himself, giving up 28 earned runs in just 36.2 innings in his last eight starts. Stroman, who was scheduled to take the mound on Thursday, will not pitch until Sunday as the Yankees prioritize working on his mechanics.
“Stroman’s going to pitch on Sunday instead. Nestor will take the mound tomorrow, and Rodon and Cole will stay on schedule for Friday and Saturday,” Boone said.
#3. Old Kyle Schwarber back; contributes seven RBI in series win against Dodgers
Phillies leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber turned back the clock, notching seven RBIs with his three home runs in a 9-4 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday. His career-best came at a time when the club needed it most. The Phillies won their first series since sweeping LA at home before the MLB All-Star break.
The game was filled with drama as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts received his first ejection of the season in the sixth inning for arguing an interference call against the third base umpire.
This ruling turned pivotal in the game as the Phillies went from trailing 3-4 to 8-4 in the sixth.