The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Amed Rosario for assignment as the corresponding roster move to activating Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list before Monday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Betts returns after missing the past eight weeks while recovering from a left hand fracture sustained on Father’s Day. The Dodgers’ timetable for Betts’ return was set at six to eight weeks.
They went 25-20 without Betts and saw their once-commanding lead in the National League West dwindle amid inconsistent play for a prolonged stretch. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres both went on hot streaks, and even with a tight division race, the Dodgers are tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for best record in the NL.
Betts returns to the Dodgers in different roles than he had prior to the hand injury.
He not only is now batting second in the lineup with Shohei Ohtani remaining the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, but Betts is moving back to playing right field, where he’s won six Gold Glove Awards.
Both are notable changes for Betts, who historically has been open about preferring the leadoff spot in the lineup, and recently was said to be remaining at shortstop despite an influx of additions who could play the position. One of whom had been Rosario.
The Dodgers and Betts ultimately arrived at a decision to have him play right field in order to put the team in the best position.
“You’ve got to be real with yourself, the team, and do what’s best,” Betts said last week. “I preached from the beginning all I want to do is win. I just feel like with Miggy (Rojas) and Nick Ahmed being there, that’s winning baseball.”
Dodgers roster decision: Amed Rosario
The Dodgers have faced an impending roster crunch with several players being on track to return this month, and on the position-player side it’s now squeezed Rosario out of a spot with the team.
The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise considering Rosario was just acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline. He did receive limited opportunities after joining the team, which manager Dave Roberts explained was due to the Dodgers viewing Rosario as a platoon player.
Rosario hit .273/.333/.364 with one double, two RBI and one walk in five games for the Dodgers. It was a second stint with the team as Rosario previously was acquired by the Dodgers at the 2023 MLB trade deadline.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
