Mookie Betts' switch should inspire Dave Roberts to do more with Dodgers lineup

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn't one to tinker, unlike a wave of younger skippers who have made their way to the major leagues in recent years. However, even Roberts can admit when a product has gone stale.

Earlier this week, the Dodgers moved Mookie Betts to the No. 5 spot in the lineup. He has responded with four hits and two home runs against the Philadelphia Phillies. Per Dodgers' insider Fabian Ardaya, Betts will hit in the five hole moving forward.

That leads to a natural follow-up question: What else could Roberts do to make the Death Star Dodgers even better, specifically on his lineup card?

Inside the Dodgers lineup: What other changes should Dave Roberts consider?

There are few greater places a manager can make an impact than when filling out his 1-9 on a daily basis. Here's what the Dodgers lineup looks like these days since Betts moved to the five spot. Note: This is the Dodgers likely lineup against right-handed pitching.

Assuming Roberts wants to keep the Dodgers lineup balanced so as to not provide free outs to an opposing pitcher (as should always be the goal), he ought to consider moving Tommy Edman, who has performed admirably in his 27 games played so far this season, up a few spots.

Yes, the Dodgers are committed to Kyle Tucker long term and signed him to a four-year, $240 million contract this past winter, but he hasn't been the same hitter for quite some time now. Moving him down a couple of spots could send a message and give Edman a better opportunity to contribute.

Not to mention, Edman's splits against right-handed pitching and lefties are relatively even on the season. He has an elite 1.048 OPS against left-handed pitching, and a .875 OPS against lefties. Roberts may want to move Andy Pages out of the No. 2 hole, as well, considering he hit .225 in June and .255 in July so far. Giving Freddie Freeman more at-bats in that spot could prove to be a capable solution as well.

Dalton Rushing's July dropoff has been well-documented, as he doesn't have a single hit in 15 days (19 at-bats). Providing a young contributor like Rushing with more lineup protection could go a long way in his development.

The other side of this equation is that the Dodgers lineup is dangerous as currently constructed. There are few sure outs when they are fully healthy, and Roberts does a tremendous job mixing his left-handed power with right-handed hitters who frequently put the ball in play.

The resurgence of Betts in July is a welcome development for Los Angeles, as it gives the Dodgers another top-of-the-lineup threat. Betts has an .818 OPS in July, and as Roberts admitted just a few weeks ago upon his return, he is starting to look like the hitter Dodgers fans grew accustomed to over the last few seasons.

This, more than anything else, gives the Dodgers options. They have an embarrassment of riches in all facets of the game, and Roberts can do little wrong when filling out his lineup card every day.

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