Mookie Betts to IL; Hyeseong Kim joins Dodgers in D.C.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) misplays a ground ball by Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. WASHINGTON — The Dodgers will be without their catalyst at the top of the lineup for the foreseeable future. Mookie Betts is headed to the injured list after an MRI revealed a right oblique strain, manager Dave Roberts said Sunday morning.
While Roberts stopped short of offering a firm timetable, he acknowledged the inherent uncertainty that comes with the injury, even as the club remains optimistic Betts could return sooner than the typical 4–6 week window. Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) at bat against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Brad Mills-Imagn Images Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) at bat against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park.
Betts exited Saturday’s game after the first inning, a development that immediately raised concern given the nature of oblique issues. He was replaced defensively by Miguel Rojas, and further evaluation the following day confirmed the strain. In response, the Dodgers have turned to a new face.
Hyeseong Kim, who did not make the Opening Day roster, has been promoted and joined the team in Washington, D. C. He’s expected to split time at shortstop with Rojas, while Alex Freeland is in line to handle the bulk of the workload at second base.
Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) hits against the Athletics in the first inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Hyeseong Kim (6) hits against the Athletics in the first inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. The ripple effects extend beyond the fielding alignment.