It wasn’t always pretty, but the Los Angeles Dodgers managed to right the ship with a gritty 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night. Sometimes, baseball comes down to capitalizing on your opponent’s mistakes, and the Dodgers did just that, escaping with a much-needed victory. But as they gear up to welcome the Boston Red Sox for a marquee series, there’s a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the lineup: Mookie Betts could be sidelined, and not for reasons you’d find in a box score.
Dave Roberts acknowledged after the game that Betts is dealing with personal matters off the field that may keep him away from the team, at least in the short term. He was careful to stress that Betts is physically fine—no new injury woes here—but that he simply needs time to handle things that matter just as much as anything happening between the white lines.
That means Miguel Rojas steps back into a familiar spot at shortstop, ready to handle the job if Betts isn’t in uniform by Friday night. Roberts has repeatedly praised Rojas’ readiness and reliability when called upon, making the Dodgers’ depth at the position one of their quieter strengths. Still, there’s no question that any lineup looks a little different—maybe a lot different—without the presence of Betts, especially against a hot Red Sox team.
And here’s where Shohei Ohtani’s star shines that much brighter. On Wednesday, the National League MVP contender once again showed why Dodgers brass pushed all their chips in for him. He picked up the team offensively, carrying the load just as the best do when the pressure is on. Ohtani’s ability to provide instant offense is nothing new, but it’s invaluable when the Dodgers are missing one of their cornerstones.
The timing is also critical. Since the All-Star break, Boston has been gaining steam, making this a series with real playoff implications. For Roberts and the Dodgers, every win matters as they fight to extend their lead in the NL West. For the Red Sox, a statement series on the West Coast is exactly the kind of momentum-builder that can change a season’s trajectory.
Since coming to Los Angeles, Betts has been the definition of durability and reliability. It’s remarkable—if he does miss the opener against his old club, it would mark just his tenth game out of action this season. Roberts has leaned on him heavily since shifting Betts into the infield, but sometimes teams have to adjust on the fly.
Whether Betts is penciled into the lineup or watching from afar, make no mistake: Dodgers-Red Sox remains one of baseball’s must-watch matchups, loaded with narratives and postseason implications. It’s the kind of series where stars shine, role players step up, and every pitch feels a little bigger. For Dodgers fans and baseball fans alike, all eyes now turn to whether Betts is back in blue, or if his teammates can pick up the slack until he returns.
