The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Mookie Betts from the 10-day injured list and selected the contract of Yefry Ramirez. Mitch White and Zach McKinstry were optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster moves.
Betts returns after being limited to one pinch-hit appearance since aggravating a right hip injury on July 17. The initial expectation was Betts would only miss one game before returning to the lineup for the Dodgers’ home matchup against the San Francisco Giants.
Betts was a late scratch in the series opener but did manage to make a pinch-hit appearance that night. However, his right hip remained an issue and the Dodgers continued to delay his potential return.
They ultimately placed him on the IL on July 25, but it was retroactive to July 22, which made Sunday the first day Betts was eligible to be activated. “I think the cortisone shot just took a little longer to kick in than expected,” he said.
“Obviously, the training staff has been doing a great job in getting my body ready. It’s definitely been a team effort to get ready.”
Betts expressed confidence he is healthy enough to return, but what caused the hip trouble to come about earlier this season remains a mystery.
“I wish it would’ve come from like I ran into the wall or something,” he said. “Not just out of nowhere. It would’ve made a little more sense, but it is what it is. You’ve just got to deal with it. The training staff has done a great job in helping me get to where I’m at now.”
After dealing with left shoulder and back trouble — and at the time undisclosed hip discomfort — Betts appeared rejuvenated coming out of the All-Star break. His decision to rest rather than participate in the Midsummer Classic was paying off in spades as he went 7-for-9 with four doubles, one home run and two RBI prior to the injury.
Ramirez is 3-3 with a 5.49 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) for Oklahoma City this season. He has previously spent parts of two seasons in Majors with the Baltimore Orioles (2018-19) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2019), going a combined 1-10 with a 6.32 ERA in 30 games (13 starts).
White heads back to OKC one day after giving the Dodgers a strong effort in his first career start. The right-hander allowed two runs over 3.2 innings in a performance that was pivotal for a taxed bullpen.
McKinstry earned a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster and now is optioned for the first time this season. He previously was with OKC for a brief stretch while on a rehab assignment.
Dodgers transfer Sherfy
Jimmie Sherfy was transferred to the 60-day IL in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Ramirez. Sherfy has been out since July 24 due to right elbow inflammation.
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