Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Remains Out of Starting Lineup, Darien Nunez Opener
The Dodgers and Giants will play game 2 of their series tonight at Chavez Ravine. Los Angeles will go with Darien Nunez as the left-handed opener to face off against San Francisco’s Alex Wood. The hope is that they can scratch out a win after a rough loss on Monday night.
Unfortunately, they still won’t be at full strength lineup wise as outfielder Mookie Betts was held out of the starting lineup for the third day in a row. He was a late scratch prior to last night’s loss. The hip issue that forced him out of the game on Saturday and Sunday once again forced him to sit.
Dave Roberts had said on Monday after the game that he fully expected Betts back in there, and with a late pinch hitting appearance with LA down 5 last night, it seemed like that would be likely. However, come Tuesday afternoon, things just plainly didn’t improve.
Roberts said Mookie Betts is "frustrated." He called it a "hip pointer" and said it's inflamed. He will be available to pinch-hit. "He wants to be in there, but when you can't go out there and be yourself, we don't want to cause more harm." #Dodgers
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 20, 2021
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Zach McKinstry gets the start in right field for the injured Betts.
The timing of the aggravation of this “hip pointer” couldn’t have come at a worse time. Mookie went off in Colorado over the weekend by going 7-for-9 with 5 extra-base hits. Betts also drove in a pair of runs and scored 5 of his own. With the first place Giants in town, the Dodgers needed all hands on deck as they battle for their 9th straight division crown.
As for Nunez, 28, he’ll be making his first big league start and his fourth MLB appearance overall. The lefty has allowed 2 earned runs in 4 innings.
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Look, Dodgers can’t continue to hold him out of lineup this way being yet further short on position players. Get an MRI or x-ray or something. But for crying out loud put him on the IL so he can heal. I’m truly sick of the Roberts and Dodgers FO are handling these situations. Another loss for the Dodgers is all but certain based on what I saw last night.
Belli and Barnes both starting tonight. Maybe missing the postseason will expedite the removal of Roberts? In my opinion, it would be worth it!
Yeah, I must agree with ya here cause as I mentioned a while ago, Roberts struggles those in game and pitching decisions this year that he didn’t have to make last year oin a 60 game season with had a DH. And yes, that DH made his job much easier too.
Yes he needs to go !
Trade Belli while you can.
Kevin Kennedy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Kennedy