{"id":584338,"date":"2026-02-21T06:23:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T06:23:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/584338\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T06:23:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T06:23:11","slug":"dodgers-tweak-the-starting-lineup-with-tucker-in-the-mix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/584338\/","title":{"rendered":"Dodgers Tweak the Starting Lineup with Tucker in the Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"

The saying goes, \u201cIf it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it.\u201d The Los Angeles Dodgers have won back-to-back World Series, so they will run it back the way they got there, right? Well, not exactly. The Dodgers have a new right fielder<\/a> in Kyle Tucker<\/a>, and manager Dave Roberts<\/a> wants him at the top of the lineup. As a result, the top triumvirate of Shohei Ohtani<\/a>, Mookie Betts<\/a>, and Freddie Freeman<\/a> will be broken up. The four-time<\/a> Most Valuable Player will still be the lead-off hitter,\u00a0Tucker will probably follow, dropping Betts to third, with Freeman hitting cleanup. How will Betts handle it?<\/p>\n

Top of Dodgers Lineup Will Look Different with Tucker in the Mix
\nMookie on the Mend?<\/p>\n

2025 didn\u2019t have an auspicious start for the perennial All-Star. He caught a virus<\/a> near the end of spring training, and he lost nearly 20 pounds. The shortstop missed the first few weeks of the season. Add to that his first full season<\/a> at the most demanding position on the infield, and it took its toll. To his credit, Betts played a Gold Glove-worthy defense. However, his offensive output suffered. Betts had his worst year at the plate in his career. His batting average dropped to .258, although he improved later in the season. He never looked like himself. With the weight loss came a loss of strength, and perhaps a change in his swing.<\/p>\n

Dave Roberts is leaning towards using Mookie Betts as his every day No. 3 hitter. Said that won\u2019t change regardless of opposing pitcher handedness. Roberts is still figuring out his No. 2 and No. 4 hitters, but Shohei Ohtani will remain leadoff.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Secondly, Betts didn\u2019t want to acknowledge the toll that playing shortstop had on his offense during the season, but later admitted it probably did. Betts said he worked on simplifying some things in the offseason, and hopes that will make a difference.<\/p>\n

Someone in His Corner<\/p>\n

For what it\u2019s worth. Betts\u2019 manager is in his corner, \u201cThe way he played shortstop last year, and expecting him to be better offensively this year, he will be in the MVP conversation this year,\u201d said Roberts. For his part, the Dodgers manager hasn\u2019t decided who will bat second or fourth in the order.<\/p>\n

Previous Construction<\/p>\n

In the last few years, the Los Angeles lineup has featured alternating left-handed and right-handed bats. This obviously puts pressure on the opponent\u2019s starter every game, regardless of the side of the rubber they toe. The batting order is littered with All-Stars, which lengthens it as well. The Dodgers\u2019 advantage seems to increase when the bullpen comes in because of the three-batter rule, limiting the number of pitching changes. Los Angeles is one of the best teams at knowing the strike zone, and they see a lot of pitches per at-bat.<\/p>\n

Why the Proposed Change?<\/p>\n

Despite the talent-laden lineup, there were times when the offense went uncharacteristically and inexplicably cold. Yes, there were injuries<\/a> and sickness, but the struggles seemed to make games extremely flat and frustrating. The Dodgers only managed 93 wins in the regular season, and the drought continued into the postseason. Having a .290 hitter like Tucker protect Shohei Ohtani could be the spark that the Los Angeles offense needs, even if it doesn\u2019t fit the previous pattern.<\/p>\n

If it doesn\u2019t work out, Dave Roberts can always make adjustments. There is a lot of time before October.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: \u00a9 Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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