The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Zach McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list due to a fracture in his right ribs.
It was part of a series of Dodgers roster changes before the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, as Andrew Heaney was activated off the IL and Reyes Moronta got optioned. Heaney is starting Sunday in his first game since April 17.
Meanwhile, Betts is due to be out for an undetermined period after suffering the injury upon colliding with Cody Bellinger last week. X-rays came back negative, a planned CT scan was bypassed, and Betts was in the Dodgers lineup on Saturday.
However, he was scratched for a second consecutive game and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed the injury after the 7-1 win. “Mookie was preparing for the game and couldn’t quite loosen up,” Roberts explained.
“So we ended up obviously scratching him from the lineup, and he ended up getting some more imaging. An MRI scan revealed a cracked rib, so he’s going to go on the IL. The time to return is basically TBD. … It’s certainly a big blow to all of us.
“But at least having the information and knowing what it is, at least there’s solace in that. Hopefully we’ll get him back sooner than later.”
Betts tied or broke multiple Dodgers records during the month of May, but had been mired in a 3-for-39 skid since having a four-game hitting streak snapped on June 5.
McKinstry part of Dodgers’ plan to replace Betts
McKinstry is back up with the Dodgers for a fifth time this season, but could be looking at his biggest opportunity yet.
“We have a versatile roster, obviously with Zach, Eddy Alvarez and C.T. can sort of play anywhere, and Gavin the same thing,” answered Roberts when asked how the Dodgers intend to address right field in Betts’ absence.
“So we’ll move guys around and get matchups. I think we’ll be covered.”
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