MILWAUKEE — Mookie Betts is returning to right field and adjusting to a new spot in the lineup after missing nearly two months with a broken left hand.
So far, the Los Angeles Dodgers star is adapting just fine.
Betts came off the injured list Monday and showed no signs of rust in a 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, going 2 for 4 with a two-run homer and an RBI single. The eight-time All-Star also made an exceptional play in right, a notable feat because he primarily had played shortstop this year before getting hit by a 98 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals reliever Dan Altavilla on June 16.
''Obviously, it's a lot more fun writing his name in the lineup," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Betts has spent much of his career leading off. Now he's batting second — behind two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani.
Roberts said before the game he wanted the right-handed-hitting Betts between the left-handed-hitting Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Ohtani thrived in the leadoff spot while Betts was hurt.
Batting in front of Betts on Monday night, Ohtani hit his NL-leading 36th homer, going deep on a 3-0 pitch for the first time in his career. Asked after the game whether it felt weird batting second rather than first, Betts paused for a few seconds before giving this answer.
''No, because it's Shohei in front of me,'' he said. ''Whatever he's got, whatever he wants to do, he can do.''