Hernández: Mookie Betts is pl...

It all uses the same rhetoric. Mookie Betts continues to minimize his contribution to the Dodgers. He continues to deny having a significant impact on games. Still, he won't speculate on what he might or might not do.

However, despite what could seem like an attempt by the outfielder worth $365 million to avoid accountability, don't be worried. According to manager Dave Roberts, Betts has changed. Now, Roberts observed, "I see a concerted effort on every pitch in the batter's box."

Betts' capacity to produce at the level he has for the past two plus weeks is undeniable. Betts once again came through on Sunday, as his sixth home run in 15 games helped the Dodgers defeat the dysfunctional San Diego Padres 4-0 to secure the sweep. Betts has demonstrated this type of play before, and he will do so again.

Whether Betts can maintain his present form, improve his consistency, and stop having lengthy stretches when he is a non-factor is still a question. He isn't promising anything. Betts responded, "I'd like to, but who knows what's going to happen."

Last season, Betts hit a career-high 35 home runs, but his season was characterized by inconsistent play. He was outstanding in May and again in late August, but the remainder of the season saw him contribute almost little offensively.

In a National League Division Series that the Dodgers lost in four games, he only had two hits against the Padres.

In the third inning of the series decider against the Padres, Betts hit a changeup by Ryan Weathers into the left-field pavilion to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Betts' eighth home run of the year was the home run.

The win was the Dodgers' fifth over the Padres in six games, who are starting to resemble an inflated version of the football club that left its small-town market. The subdued Betts tried his best to minimize the changes he had done.

He explained, "Just to get strikes and hit them." I wasn't really giving myself the greatest opportunities since I was pursuing so much. So, I've been concentrating simply on hitting excellent pitches.

In order to better endure the strains of a 162-game season, he decided to develop strength during his offseason vacation to the Driveline training facility in Washington state. I'm stronger for sure, but I don't know whether it's making me a better baseball player or anything, he remarked of the eight pounds of muscle he acquired. I'm just more powerful. Additionally, Betts disagreed with Roberts' oft-stated claim that the Dodgers would go if he left.

No, Betts answered, "not at all. "Of course I have to play a part in getting on base and scoring runs, but it's not just me. Everyone has to do it. It's not only my fault. We need everyone, even the young men and the veterans. Gaining victory in a baseball game requires teamwork.

It's difficult with certain players because they're all trying, but there's an extra degree of intensity that, in my opinion, he occasionally lacks, Roberts said. When you play every day, it's difficult. We are aware of that. There aren't many better players on the globe when he competes like he does on every pitch, but he is obviously an important part of what we're doing.

The Dodgers, who don't have as many weapons as they did when they won a franchise-record 111 games last season, may need to maintain that intensity. Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and no other reliable danger are what they have most nights. And then there are days like Sunday, when Smith was given the day off, further condensing their lineup.