Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about Mookie Betts’ sudden lineup removal on Wednesday.
Betts, according to Roberts, is hearing with a wrist injury that has been described as simply “soreness.”
Rather than push Betts on a Wednesday in July against the Athletics, the Dodgers are “erring on the side of caution,” per the skipper.
Betts was originally in the batting order a few hours before the game, but at some point during warm-ups, the team decided to sit the shortstop to avoid making matters worse.
In his place, Miguel Rojas will be slotting in at shortstop on Wednesday. The Dodgers do not get a break for a while, with a big series against the Padres looming at home on Thursday.
After the series finale against the A’s, Roberts should have some more to say regarding Betts’ injury, including whether he will get imaging upon his return to Dodger Stadium and what his status looks like ahead of the home stand.
Who are the options available to replace Betts?
If he does miss time, Rojas is the natural fit for more playing time, along with possibly Alex Freeland, and even Tommy Edman can play some shortstop.
While it does not seem likely at this point, if Betts does go on the injured list, Hyeseong Kim is a candidate to get a call-up, just like he did when Betts missed time with the oblique injury.
Additionally, Kike Hernandez should end up returning at some point soon to fill in at shortstop as well.
The Dodgers have plenty of positional options, but with Betts hitting the ball so well, it is his bat that will be missed more than his glove.
Luckily, Rojas can punish lefties still, and Edman has started his season on a tear in his own right.
