Los Angeles Dodgers Place Mookie Betts on Injured List Due to Oblique Strain

The team also recalled Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the roster spot.

Betts sustained the injury during Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals, where he left after scoring in the first inning. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the injury likely occurred during a check swing earlier in the at-bat.

Timeline for Betts’ Return

Manager Dave Roberts expressed caution regarding a timeline for Betts’ recovery but remains hopeful that the absence will be shorter than the estimated four to six weeks. Roberts noted, “He’s actually in better spirits. He’s obviously disappointed, but just the way he feels today, I think he’s had some dealings with that before and said it’s better than he recalls in past experience, so that was encouraging.”

Betts’ Performance and Impact

Currently, Betts has recorded a batting average of .179 over the Dodgers’ first eight games. Last season, he achieved a .258 batting average with 20 home runs and 82 RBIs across 150 games.

Kim and Rojas to Share Shortstop Duties

With Betts sidelined, Roberts indicated that Kim and Miguel Rojas will likely share responsibilities at shortstop. Rojas stepped in for Betts during Saturday’s game and is positioned second in the batting order for Sunday’s matchup against the Nationals. Roberts mentioned that Kim is expected to start in two of the three games during the upcoming series against Toronto beginning Monday.

Adjustments in the Dodgers’ Lineup

The Dodgers will have to adjust their batting lineup significantly, as Betts has consistently occupied the No. 3 spot this season after primarily batting second last year. Roberts remarked, “He’s Mookie Betts, so it certainly changes. But that’s the great thing about having depth that a lot of teams don’t have. A platoon at short and you feel like you’ve got good matchups, it’s not all bad and it gives other guys opportunities. But it’s a blow, for sure.”