Mookie Betts Shines With 2 Homers After Batting Order Shift

WHO:

MLB.com - Mookie Betts, Dave Roberts, Emmet Sheehan, Trea Turner, Max Muncy, Andy Pages, Brandon Marsh, Dalton Rushing, Will Smith

NY Post - Los Angeles Dodgers

WHAT:

MLB.com - Mookie Betts' two home runs were his first since June 27.

MLB.com - Betts' performance included a solo home run in the seventh inning and a two-run blast in the ninth inning.

MLB.com - Emmet Sheehan was tagged for six earned runs, including two home runs, in 5 1/3 innings pitched.

MLB.com - The Dodgers' pitching staff, including Alex Vesia and Landon Knack, allowed three home runs in relief.

MLB.com - The Dodgers were down four runs after the second inning due to a two-run home run from Trea Turner.

MLB.com - The Dodgers' current catcher, Dalton Rushing, has a 120 wRC+, ranking him sixth among MLB catchers with at least 200 plate appearances.

MLB.com - Will Smith is not expected to return from the injured list until at least mid-August.

MLB.com - Mookie Betts hit two home runs and had four hits in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

MLB.com - Betts' performance included his 12th and 13th home runs of the season.

MLB.com - The Dodgers lost the game 10-7.

MLB.com - Emmet Sheehan allowed six earned runs in 5 1/3 innings.

MLB.com - Will Smith has been on the injured list since June 11 due to neck stiffness.

MLB.com - The 2026 Trade Deadline is set for August 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

MLB.com - Dalton Rushing has a 120 wRC+ entering a recent game.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

WHEN:

MLB.com - Betts' two-homer game was part of a series opener against the Phillies.

MLB.com - Smith last played on June 5.

MLB.com - Smith was placed on the injured list on June 11.

WHY:

MLB.com - Dave Roberts moved Betts down to fifth in the batting order to address his recent struggles.

MLB.com - The Dodgers' pitchers struggled during the game, contributing to the loss.

HOW:

MLB.com - Betts responded positively to being moved down in the batting order, achieving a season-high four hits.

Mookie Betts hit two home runs, marking his first since June 27, with a solo shot in the seventh and a two-run blast in the ninth inning. Meanwhile, the Dodgers struggled on the mound, as Emmet Sheehan gave up six earned runs in just over five innings, and the bullpen allowed three home runs in relief. On the injury front, catcher Will Smith is not expected to return until at least mid-August, while Dalton Rushing is currently performing well with a 120 wRC+, ranking sixth among MLB catchers with at least 200 plate appearances.