Mookie Betts back in Dodgers lineup for Padres opener
Mookie Betts is back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Thursday's series opener against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, starting at shortstop and batting cleanup after missing one game with right wrist soreness. Manager Dave Roberts said treatment eased the issue, clearing him for a pivotal padres dodgers clash as L.A. holds a 12-game NL West lead.
Key Takeaways
- Betts returns at shortstop and bats fourth for the Dodgers' home opener against the Padres on Thursday, July 2.
- He was a late scratch Wednesday due to mild right wrist soreness during the road trip finale in Sacramento.
- Roberts called the issue minor and said Betts felt relief after treatment, with no known incident behind the soreness.
- Betts enters on a seven-game hitting streak, batting .406 with three homers over that stretch.
- The Dodgers (56-31) lead the second-place Padres by 12 games entering the four-game series.
Why Was Mookie Betts Scratched From Wednesday's Game?
The Dodgers removed Betts from Wednesday's lineup against the Athletics roughly two hours before first pitch at Sutter Health Park. Team officials cited right wrist soreness, and Miguel Rojas started at shortstop in his place during a 7-1 loss that closed a 7-2 road trip.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters he learned of the issue around 1 p.m. that afternoon. Betts had originally been slated to bat cleanup before the late change, with Max Muncy shifting into the four-hole once Betts was ruled out.
Where Does Betts Slot in the Dodgers Lineup vs. the Padres?
Los Angeles released its lineup for the first of four home games against San Diego with Betts back at shortstop and hitting fourth. Shohei Ohtani leads off as designated hitter, followed by Andy Pages in center field and Freddie Freeman at first base.
Max Muncy bats fifth at third base, Kyle Tucker sixth in right field, Teoscar Hernández seventh in left, Dalton Rushing eighth behind the plate, and Alex Freeland ninth at second base. Right-hander Roki Sasaki gets the start on the mound.
How Serious Is Betts' Wrist Injury This Season?
Roberts described the wrist issue as mild and framed Wednesday's absence as precautionary. Betts told staff that treatment brought noticeable relief, and Roberts said the club wanted to get ahead of any flare-up without a clear moment of injury.
It marks the second health setback for the 33-year-old this year. Betts missed five weeks on the injured list with a right oblique strain and has appeared in just 51 games overall, though he has been productive when available.
What Does Betts' Return Mean for the Padres-Dodgers Series?
Los Angeles enters the series with MLB's best record and a commanding NL West cushion. Getting Betts back before a four-game set against the team 12 games behind them strengthens a lineup already featuring Ohtani, Freeman, and Tucker.
CBS Sports noted Betts carried a seven-game hitting streak into Thursday, going 13-for-32 with three home runs, nine RBI, and five runs scored during that run. For more celebrity breaking news on star athletes returning from injury scares, follow our latest updates. Full lineup details are available via MLB.com.