The struggling shortstop has a long history batting leadoff, which he will do against left-handed pitchers, and Ohtani will be at the top against right-handers in the short term.

It also marked the second time in a month Roberts has sat a healthy Betts, hoping a day’s respite from playing would recalibrate things. He sat in the Dodgers’ win over the Chicago White Sox on July 1, with the team hoping to give him a mental breather.