Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Emerging as Mookie Betts Replacement

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost Mookie Betts for a handful of games on Saturday, as the All-Star shortstop left after the top of the first inning. Betts has been officially deemed to be suffering from a back injury, which will likely keep him out for at least a couple of games , per Dave Roberts. He will certainly miss the series finale against the Nationals.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) His ultimate timeline will depend on the results of his MRI, which Dave Roberts said he will get soon, before they make a final decision on whether he will go on the injured list. However, there are already some signs that the Dodgers are preparing to make a move, as minor leaguer Hyeseong Kim, who did not make the Opening Day roster, was not in the lineup on Saturday night, following the news about Betts’ injury. Oklahoma CIty’s Hyeseong Kim throws to first over Albuquerque’s Nicky Lopez for a double play during a minor league baseball game between the Oklahoma City Comets and the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Friday, March 27, 2026.

Kim is down with the Oklahoma City Comets, where he has torn it up as a contact-hitting star. He already has elite speed and top-tier defense He narrowly missed out on the roster, losing out to Alex Freeland due to his WBC slump and more aggressive swing profile. His skill set aligns well with a team of top-tier talent, making him a complementary fit.

His defensive versatility allows him to play all over the field, including at shortstop if needed, or cover second base so either Alex Freeland or Miguel Rojas can slot in. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) The deciding factor for Hyeseong Kim Ultimately, the Dodgers’ decision will boil down to their patience with Mookie Betts. The team and manager Dave Roberts tend to be more optimistic about their star players, giving them all the time and chances to play.