Betts seeks answers: 'I've never been this bad for this long'
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts continues to search for answers to his season-long slump as he puts up the worst offensive numbers of his career.
"I've never done this," Betts said Friday of his down year at the plate, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. "It's all new. I've never been this bad for this long."
The eight-time All-Star's numbers have gotten worse with each passing month.
Betts' monthly splits
| MONTH | GS | HR | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| March/April | 28 | 4 | .746 |
| May | 25 | 4 | .738 |
| June | 25 | 1 | .633 |
| July | 12 | 2 | .566 |
Betts lost 20 pounds due to a stomach virus he contracted before Opening Day and was asked to shift to shortstop full time after spending most of his career as one of the game's best defensive outfielders. He also fractured a toe, costing him four games in May and June.
The 32-year-old hasn't used any of those obstacles to excuse his poor offensive performance as he tries to get back on track.
"I haven't figured it out. So, obviously, it's super difficult," Betts said.
"But I'll tell you one thing: I definitely love the process of it. I definitely love the process of trying to figure out who I am, where I'm at, the work. I haven't found it, and it sucks. Going out there every night, going 0-for-4, that part of the day truly sucks. But you see it. All day, I'm out here working and hitting, and I love it. I love that. It's the best part."