Dodgers put Mookie Betts on IL, recall Hyeseong Kim
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- Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain after a check swing during Saturday’s 10‑5 win over the Washington Nationals.
- Hyeseong Kim was recalled from Triple‑A Oklahoma City to provide shortstop depth while Betts recovers.
- Dave Roberts said he hopes Betts’ return will be quicker than a typical four‑to‑six‑week timeline and noted Betts is in better spirits despite disappointment.
- Betts is batting .179 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the Dodgers’ first eight games, down from his .258 average with 20 homers and 82 RBIs last season.
- Miguel Rojas will split shortstop duties with Kim, having replaced Betts Saturday and batting second on Sunday.
- Dodgers will adjust the lineup, moving Betts out of the No. 3 spot and using a shorton at shortstop.
- Kim is projected to start two of three games in the Toronto series beginning Monday.
Why it matters: The Dodgers lose a proven middle‑lineup bat as Betts' injury forces them to shift him out of the No. 3 spot, while Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas gain starting opportunities. The lineup reshuffle tests the team’s depth and could blunt early‑season offensive output.
