Dodgers Rumors: LA Feels It's 'Unfair to Count on' Mookie Betts at SS in MLB Playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers' experiment with Mookie Betts at shortstop was going better than anyone could have hoped prior to his injury, but the seven-time All-Star may not go back to that position when he returns.

Per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the expectation is Betts will move back to second base because the Dodgers "believe it would be unfair" to ask him to handle such an important position in the playoffs after he just got acclimated to it this season.

Betts suffered a broken left hand when he was hit by a pitch from Kansas City Royals reliever Dan Altavilla on June 16. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters the following day that Betts would likely be out of action for six to eight weeks.

It's strange to think the Dodgers would have hesitation about Betts' ability to handle shortstop given how well he acclimated to the position. His four defensive runs saved are tied for sixth out of 24 shortstops with at least 500 innings played.

Miguel Rojas, who has been Betts' replacement at short, has one defensive run saved in 251.2 innings played at the position.

Playing Betts at second base when he returns would solve a lineup problem for the Dodgers. Gavin Lux has been their primary starter at the position, but he's only hitting .208/.264/.283 with two homers in 71 games.

Los Angeles did bring acquire Cavan Biggio in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays on June 12 to boost its infield depth. His slash line is .196/.311/.266 in 58 games between the two teams.

Rojas has been effective with a .749 OPS in 57 games. Betts was playing at a near-MVP level prior to his injury with a .304/.405/.488 slash line with 10 homers and more walks (47) than strikeouts (34) in 331 plate appearances.