Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has been placed on the 10-day injured list following confirmation of an oblique strain through MRI imaging on Sunday.
Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts indicated Sunday that the star player faces a potential absence of four to six weeks, though he expressed optimism that the recovery period might fall on the shorter end of that timeline.
The injury occurred during Saturday’s contest against Washington, forcing Betts to leave the game in the opening frame with what was initially described as lower right back discomfort. The Dodgers went on to defeat the Nationals 10-5.
Miguel Rojas stepped in as Betts’ replacement and will occupy the second spot in the batting order for Sunday’s matchup with Washington.
To fill the roster spot, the Dodgers promoted infielder Hyeseong Kim from their Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. Kim appeared in 71 contests for Los Angeles last season, posting a .280 batting average, but failed to secure a roster position coming out of spring training. Through six games at Oklahoma City this season, he’s batting an impressive .346 on 9-for-26 hitting.
Kim is expected to contribute at shortstop as well during Betts’ absence.
The 33-year-old Betts, a former American League batting champion, has struggled at the plate early this season with a .179 average through 28 at-bats, following a career-worst .258 performance in 2024. Despite the low average, he has contributed two home runs and seven RBIs across eight games.
