Dodgers' Dave Roberts hints at calling up $12.5M versatile defender after Mookie Betts injury

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Dodgers' Dave Roberts hints at calling up $12.5M versatile defender after Mookie Betts injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are pursuing their third consecutive World Series championship and have started the season 6-2, showing they’re right where they want to be early on. However, Mookie Betts suffered an injury on Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

“Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts left Saturday's 10-5 win over Washington after the top of the first inning because of right lower back pain. Betts was starting at shortstop and batting third when he drew a walk in the first and eventually scored on Freddie Freeman's two-run double. He was replaced in the field by Miguel Rojas before the bottom of the inning,” ESPN wrote.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will have some roster decisions to make. There is a strong possibility that LA could call up Hyeseong Kim, who narrowly missed out on the Opening Day roster.

“Whether or not Betts goes on the IL will depend on his MRI results, but Dave Roberts said they will consider bringing a player here tomorrow in case. Hyeseong Kim would be the likely choice for that,” New York Post’s Jack Harris posted.

Kim didn’t hit particularly well this spring, whether during the World Baseball Classic or Spring Training. The primary reason he didn’t make the Opening Day roster was to ensure he got regular at-bats.

“Dave Roberts said the ‘driver’ behind the Alex Freeland/Hyeseong Kim decision was that the Dodgers felt Kim would benefit more from getting everyday at-bats in AAA right now,” Harris wrote.

Kim is in the second year of his $12.5 million deal. He provides speed on the bases and solid defense, but the key will be producing at the plate.

The Dodgers hope Betts’ injury is minor, but they are prepared to add a player if needed. Should Kim be called up, he will likely have the opportunity to contribute.

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