Mookie Betts given day off

No need to panic Dodgers fans. Mookie Betts isn’t in the starting lineup for Friday evening, but it’s just to give him a much-needed day off. After a stretch of nearly three weeks with no days off, Dave Roberts decided to give him the night off.

“Very difficult,” Roberts said when asked how hard it was to not put Betts in the lineup. “Just given the circumstances, just to get him off his feet. He’ll be back in there tomorrow. I like Matt Beaty in there, he’s been swinging the bat well. The alignment works well.”

A trade on the horizon?

Don’t look now, but the MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching. In such a strange season, there will likely be far less trades this year than in normal years. Will the Dodgers still try and make a move? We’ll see.

“Considerably less,” Roberts said when asked about the discussions he’s had with Andrew Friedman leading up to the deadline. “This is sneaking up on me. I don’t know if it’s the lack on anticipation, lack of need when you look at our ball club. Obviously Andrew and those guys will be kicking tires, seeing if there’s anything that can make us better. I think that I’m not ready for it, I’m not sure how active teams will be.”

Over the years, the Dodgers tend to make a splash at the deadline.

Update on Pedro Baez

So far in 2020, Pedro Baez has been struggling with his velocity. It’s down compared to years prior, and Roberts in unsure whether or not injury has any role in it. Baez was placed on the Injured List with a groin strain.

“I hadn’t heard anything until two nights ago,” Roberts said when asked about Baez’s injury. “I think it’s new. I don’t think he’s been 100 percent. Hopefully this is a good thing, getting his body back and getting his groin taken care of.”

On the season, Baez has an ERA of 3.97 with a 1.06 WHIP. However, his 6.4 SO/9 is the lowest of his career, and his 4.0 BB/9 is also the highest of his career. Not ideal. In addition, his FIP of 5.37 is by far the worst of his seven-year career.

Will Smith update

Smith has been on the IL with a sore neck. It looks like he can return to the team as early as Sunday, according to Roberts.

“Will took four at bats today,” Roberts said. “He felt good, had a couple hits. Felt good running down the line. He caught. Very positive day. I think he’s going to do more of the same tomorrow. If all goes well I expect him in the lineup on Sunday.”