There is only one Mookie Betts. The Dodgers star’s singular talent has been on display lately: returning from paternity leave, playing shortstop for the first time as a big leaguer and immediately making acrobatic plays.
But if there aren’t other players quite like Betts, there are at least others who have temporarily manned positions other than the one (or ones) with which they are identified. So let’s go position by position, looking at active players who have made at least one start at a surprising spot on the field. (Players who have appeared at a position but not started there are ineligible, except at pitcher, and each can only appear once).
Some you might vaguely remember. Others might leave you scratching your head. But they all happened. These are the Mookie Betts-inspired Out-Of-Position All-Stars.
Every time The Martian swings, there is potential for serious liftoff. Time to check on those satellites after Yankees No. 2 prospect Jasson Domínguez launched his second homer of the season.
Usually the one making highlight-worthy plays, Mookie Betts served one up for Pirates left fielder Jack Suwinski, who robbed a potential go-ahead homer.
Coverage begins with the Yankees-Twins finale at 1 p.m. ET before joining Royals vs. D-backs at 4. Then it’s Padres vs. Cubs at 7 followed by the Cardinals and Giants.
Today’s Trivia Question
Aaron Judge has homered on his birthday twice. Who is the active leader in birthday homers?