“This team is about to take off again” - MLB analyst on Mookie Betts' boost to the potency of Dodgers lineup

On Monday, Mookie Betts put on an MLB uniform and took to the field alongside his LA Dodgers teammates for the first time in nearly two months. As everyone watching Monday's game will know, it did not take long for the former MVP to make an impact.

Mookie Betts picked up an RBI single and a two-run home run in the Dodgers' 5-2 win over the Brewers. With the club looking to maintain its spot atop the NL West standings, pundits are already lauding the importance of having Betts back in the lineup.

"This is not a drill - Mookie Betts is back for the @Dodgers Some would say that is what a superstar looks like! #LetsGoDodgers" - MLB Network Radio on Xirius XM.

Following the Dodgers' win over the Milwaukee Brewers, former MLB player Ed Perez commended Betts. On an appearance on MLB Network Radio, Perez mentioned the LA's 11-13 July record without Betts, and claimed that now that the star is back in the lineup, that “this team is about to take off again.”

To illustrate his point, Perez mentioned how the Dodgers were fourteen games over .500 when Mookie Betts fractured his wrist on June 16. Although LA is still twenty-one games over 500, the competition in their division, the NL West, is more intense now than it has been all season.

"MOOKIE BETTS BACK LIKE HE NEVER LEFT. ANYTIME HR +510" - Fliff

Both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres now sit 3.5 games behind the Dodgers in the division. Since July 20, the Padres have compiled an MLB-best record of 17-3, and are considered to be LA's prime divisional challengers at this point.

Mookie Betts shines in return to right field

Early in the season, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided that Betts would play shortstop after struggles from Gavin Lux in spring training. However, the skipper has made it clear that Betts will remain in right field, where he made a stellar catch on Monday. As Mookie told AP:

“I do believe that I can be a good shortstop, but I know there’s a couple of guys in our clubhouse who are very, very good at it — Gold Glove winners, they need to take care of that. I feel like what’s best for me and the team is to go out and play right.”

Wherever he is slotted into the lineup, having Betts back gives the club a better chance to win, which was always the top priority.