Mookie Betts is back in the majors and in a surprising move, the Los Angeles Dodgers have parted ways with veteran infielder Amed Rosario less than two weeks after trading for him. The Dodgers activated Betts from the injured list prior to Monday night’s road game against Milwaukee Brewers (GameTracker). Rosario was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
It did not take Betts long to make an impact. In his second at-bat off the injured list, he swatted a two-run homer off Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. To the action footage:
Betts had been out since June 16 with a fractured left hand – the result of his being struck by a pitch. Manager Dave Roberts had previously said that Betts upon his return will no longer bat leadoff and man shortstop. Instead, he’s batting second behind Shohei Ohtani on Monday, and he returned to his primary position of right field.
Whatever the details, the Dodgers will appreciate having Betts’ lineup and base-running back as part of their offensive attack. At the time of his injury, Betts boasted a slash line of .304/.405/.488 (152 OPS+) with 10 home runs and nine stolen bases in 72 games.
As for Rosario, he was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor-league right-hander Michael Flynn on July 29. In five games and 12 plate appearances since the trade, Rosario batted .273/.333/.364 while seeing time at three infield positions. For the season, the 28-year-old Rosario has an OPS+ of 113 with 10 stolen bases and positional flexibility. As such, he figures to find a new team soon enough. Rosario also spent time with the Dodgers last season before signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Rays this past winter.
The Dodgers enter the week with a record of 69-49 and a 3 1/2-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. L.A. is coming off a home sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
