Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is set to return to the lineup.
Betts, who hadn’t played since April 4 because of a right oblique issue, is being activated off the 10-day injured list and will return for the Dodgers’ four-game homestand against the San Francisco Giants, which begins on Monday. Per Dan Greenspan of the Associated Press, L.A. manager Dave Roberts said the star infielder could hit second or third in the batting order on Monday.
How Mookie Betts’ impending return benefits Dodgers
The Dodgers, defending World Series champions, weren’t struggling without Betts. Entering Sunday, the team was 24-15 and first in the National League West ahead of the San Diego Padres (23-16).
Betts’ return, however, gives the Dodgers offense more pop. Last season, the eight-time All-Star slashed .258/.326/.406 with 20 home runs in 589 at-bats in 150 regular-season games.
Betts slashed .179/.281/.429 with two home runs in 28 at-bats in his first eight games this season. The slow start was tied to a stomach illness, which he battled before the oblique injury. The shortstop said it caused him to lose more than 20 pounds. He’s listed at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds when healthy. He has said on his podcast that he has regained the weight (and then some) with some help from Uncrustables.
“I’m not going to say I’m on base, but I’m on base with Uncrustables. I really do. That helped me get my weight back when I was sick,” he said.
If Betts immediately recaptures his elite form when he returns, that would be sweet for the Dodgers, much like an Uncrustable sandwich. His resurgence would only increase L.A.’s already-strong chances of winning a third straight Fall Classic. As of Sunday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the NL West club as the World Series favorites (+190).
