Wed Aug 06 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers Shuffle Lineup, Ohtani Returns to Leadoff in Win Over Rays

**TAMPA, FL** – The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping a familiar face at the top of the lineup can reignite their offense. In a move aimed at sparking the team, Shohei Ohtani returned to the leadoff spot for Sunday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Mookie Betts dropping to the second position. The change paid immediate dividends as the Dodgers secured a 3-0 victory at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Ohtani went 2-for-3 with a double and two walks, while Betts, mired in a slump, went 0-for-3 with a walk and a sacrifice fly. The pair played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ offense, with Ohtani scoring a key insurance run in the seventh inning after a single, double steal, and Freddie Freeman RBI single. Betts later drove in a run of his own with a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Despite the win, Betts expressed frustration with his current performance. “I’ve done everything possible. I’m hitting all day. I’m hitting after games. In the cage early. I really don’t know what else to do,” he said, acknowledging his struggles to turn things around.

The lineup change comes after Betts struggled to ignite the offense from the leadoff spot after being moved there on July 20th, batting .189 with a .498 OPS in his previous 11 games.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that the lineup shuffle is a short-term solution as the team seeks to optimize its offensive production. He also noted the impending return of third baseman Max Muncy, sidelined for nearly five weeks with a knee injury, could lead to further adjustments. “It’s kind of just trying to figure out what’s best short term,” Roberts said. “This was the best lineup for today. And that’s kind of where I’m at right now.”

Roberts also acknowledged the mental aspect of Betts’ struggles, emphasizing his continued faith in the star shortstop.

For Ohtani, the move back to the leadoff spot could be a boon for the Dodgers. His .983 OPS as a leadoff hitter is the best in the Major Leagues among players with at least 200 plate appearances in that position.

Whether the lineup shakeup is a permanent fix remains to be seen, but the Dodgers are hoping it provides the spark needed to jumpstart their offense.

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