"It’s never going to be to his standards" - Dave Roberts refuses to criticize 'frustrated' Mookie Betts' defensive frailties

Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Cincinnati Reds after Shohei Ohtani's walk-off hit on Sunday. Despite the series sweep against the Reds, there have been a few question marks over star slugger Betts' defensive frailties as a shortstop.

Betts' throwing error against the Reds in Friday's series opener was his sixth error of the season, the fourth most by a shortstop this season. The seven-time All-Star was critical of his performance after the game and vowed to improve in his new role.

“Making errors really, really bothers me,” said Betts. “Just have to be better than that, man. It doesn’t just affect me. It affects (James) Paxton, who has to throw more pitches. I just have to keep working.”

While the Dodgers shortstop was critical in his self-assessment, manager Dave Roberts seemed more than content with the former MVP's adjustment to a new role.

“I think his defense has been fine,” Roberts said. “It’s probably never going to be to his standards, and that’s what makes him great. Taking this on, it’s not going to be linear. He’s his harshest critic, so I expect him to be frustrated. But I’m pleased with him.”

Roberts said that he's 'pleased' with the shortstop and quirked that Betts' frustration stems from the high standards the six-time Gold Glove winner has set for himself over the years as an outfielder.

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Dave Roberts believes Mookie Betts has exceeded expectations in new Dodgers role

Although Mookie Betts was critical of his defensive performances, the Dodgers shortstop is only behind Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. and Cardinals' Masyn Winn in terms of runs saved this season.

Roberts reiterated his faith in the veteran superstar after resting Betts for Saturday's game against the Reds.

“I don’t expect the workload before games to continue through the season … but I think if anyone can handle it, he can,” Roberts said.

“I think offensively, he’s been very good, and defensively, he continues to get repetitions. He has (exceeded) everything I expected from him at this point at shortstop.”

Mookie Betts, who recently joined an elite club of players with 50+ home runs from the leadoff spot, was back in the leadoff spot on Sunday during his team's walk-off victory.