The Los Angeles Dodgers are 2-1 without Mookie Betts this season and are poised to finish their weekend series against the Washington Nationals with him still not in the lineup. Betts last played on Tuesday before succumbing to lower back stiffness.
He was held out of the lineup for the finale against the Oakland Athletics with the hope of playing in the Dodgers’ home opener. Manager Dave Roberts deemed his all-world outfielder day-to-day and downplayed concern.
Despite Betts missing the afternoon matchup, Roberts was encouraged by his progress. However, it wasn’t enough for the 28-year-old to play Saturday, and after the Dodgers’ second consecutive win, Roberts effectively ruled Betts out again.
“He ran, hit, played some catch. With the off day coming on Monday, I think the hope right now for me is he’ll be back in there Tuesday,” Roberts said after the 9-5 win over the Nationals. “But we’re not going to put him in there unless he’s ready to go.”
The Dodgers additionally have been are without Cody Bellinger, who is on the 10-day injured list due to a left calf contusion. Even with the stretch of games missed, Betts is not expected to land on the IL as well.
“I don’t foresee that,” Roberts said. “Hopefully there continues to be improvement. Each day he’s progressing.”
Edwin Rios is expected to start in right field on Sunday.
Dodgers not rushing Bellinger
L.A. enters Sunday on a two-game winning streak and with the best record in the National League West at 7-2. Regardless of how they continue to fare, Roberts made it clear the team will not rush Bellinger’s return.
He is eligible to come off the IL on Friday, when the Dodgers are due to begin a three-game series with the San Diego Padres. Roberts denied the weekend games at Petco Park have any sort of impact on when the Dodgers will look to activate Bellinger.
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