The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Mookie Betts from paternity leave and optioned Yonny Hernández back to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to the series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Hernández appeared as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of the 5-3 loss to the New York Mets on Wednesday afternoon. Hernández previously was up in the Majors with the Texas Rangers in 2021, and he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year.
Betts did not travel with the Dodgers for the start of their road trip, but arrived at Wrigley Field in time on Thursday to be activated and available. He was not in the original lineup released, but that could change.
While the Dodgers announced the move prior to the scheduled 4:40 p.m. PT start time, Betts’ effort to rejoin the team was aided by inclement weather forcing the game into a delay.
Betts missed the final two games of a home series with the New York Mets, which the Dodgers split. Betts was required to be away from the Dodgers for at least one day but no more than three, per MLB roster rules with the paternity list.
That remains of note for the team, as their roster shuffling on Thursday also included putting Evan Phillips on paternity leave and recalling Andre Jackson from Oklahoma City.
Luke Williams was recalled from OKC when the Dodgers placed Betts on the paternity list Tuesday. Williams has appeared in two games for the Dodgers.
Betts is batting .266/.390/.453 with six doubles, two home runs and six RBI over 17 games this season. He’s been among the more productive hitters in the Dodgers lineup, but Betts voiced some frustration and disappointment in his play thus far.
Will Mookie Betts play shortstop?
Now back on the roster, and with Miguel Rojas on the 10-day injured list because of a left hamstring strain and Chris Taylor still recovering from left oblique trouble, Betts is effectively the Dodgers’ backup shortstop.
Manager Dave Roberts said it’s plausible Betts starts at shortstop at some point, which would largely hinge on the health and availability of Williams and Taylor while Rojas is on the IL.
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