Los Angeles Dodgers welcome back Mookie Betts after month-long absence
Mookie Betts is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Monday’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants after missing over a month with a right oblique strain.
The four-time World Series champion has been sidelined since 4 April following an injury sustained against the Washington Nationals.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the versatile star will hit second or third upon re-entering the batting order.
Roster reshuffle looming
His impending activation creates a difficult selection dilemma for the National League West franchise.
Roberts acknowledged that a corresponding move will be required to free up space for the returning veteran.
“It’s a good problem in a sense of where we’re at, but it’s a potential tough conversation.”
The manager explained the situation prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves.
Minor league preparations complete
While the 2018 American League MVP recovered, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland and Santiago Espinal successfully shared middle infield duties.
Before his setback, the highly decorated player had recorded a .179 batting average with two home runs and seven runs batted in.
He finalised a brief rehabilitation assignment over the weekend with Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City.
The returning standout registered two hits and a walk across two minor league games to prove his match fitness.