The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list and recalled Darien Núñez prior to the series finale against the San Diego Padres. Gavin Lux and Matt Beaty were both optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster moves.
Betts resumed baseball activities last week and advanced to participating in simulated games prior to returning from IL. He had been sidelined since Aug. 11 due to right hip inflammation that has been caused by a bone spur.
Betts received a second cortisone injection to treat the discomfort and is in better standing now than after the first shot. The ability to advance through workouts without suffering a setback has Betts and the Dodgers optimistic he will remain available to finish the season.
“It’s the first time I’ve felt normal in a long time, so super excited,” Betts said last week. “I feel normal now. I feel like the beginning of Spring Training. There’s no pain at all or anything. Hopefully I can stay on this path and I’ll be perfectly fine.”
Núñez gives the Dodgers a fresh arm in the bullpen coming off a 16-inning marathon. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Phil Bickford, Brusdar Graterol, Corey Knebel and Alex Vesia are unavailable for the series finale against the Padres.
Lux returns to Oklahoma City after appearing in just three games upon coming off the IL earlier this month. He started at third base on Aug. 17, then second base the next night, but didn’t get into another game until making a pinch-hit appearance against the Padres on Wednesday.
Beaty has similarly seen inconsistent playing time and like Lux, was optioned as a result of the roster crunch.
Dodgers’ plans for Beaty, Lux
Roberts said Beaty will play left field, right field and first base for Oklahoma city. Lux will continue to receive time at third base, in addition to right field and second base.
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