Dodgers manager sees Betts playing about 40 games at 2B this year

It appears Mookie Betts will get his wish and play more infield.

Betts, a superstar in right field, has recently played some second base in spring training, and it's not just for fun and games. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday that the six-time All-Star will likely make regular appearances at the keystone in 2023.

"The way I envision it, Mookie starts about 40 games at second base and 110 in the outfield," Roberts told Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci.

Betts, a natural second baseman, called his skipper's plan "perfect" after being informed about his usage.

The 30-year-old has become arguably the best right fielder in baseball despite not playing the position until two weeks before debuting in the majors. A six-time Gold Glove winner, Betts' 151 defensive runs saved as an outfielder (including games in both center and right) are the second most since 2002. He's also one of just four players with at least 60 outfield assists over the last nine seasons.

Betts has sporadically appeared at second as a big leaguer, but the idea of playing him there more often only took hold after shortstop Gavin Lux's season-ending knee injury last week. With Miguel Rojas taking over at shortstop full time, youngster Miguel Vargas is now expected to get the bulk of the action at second. L.A. could shift Betts to the infield for Vargas against right-handers, opening right field for another lefty bat.

Betts has long desired to return to second. The former AL MVP confirmed he was open to a permanent switch had the Dodgers signed Aaron Judge this winter.

"People really miss the point. ... I still don't see myself as an outfielder. I see myself as an individual still," Betts said. "I mean, I'm just good. Obviously, I work hard. If I'm going to play outfield, I'm going to do it to the best of my ability.

"I've been out there for nine years now, so it's kind of easy to miss. But yeah, all through my life, that's where I played - infield. The only time I'm going to go to the outfield is when the game starts."