The Dodgers placed star shortstop Mookie Betts on the injured list Sunday with an oblique strain.
Second-year infielder Hyeseong Kim was called up from triple-A to replace him on the roster.
The roster move comes after Betts left Saturday’s game in the first inning, when he felt something in his back while running from first base to score on a Freddie Freeman double.
Betts went for an MRI later Saturday night, and was expected to miss at least the “next couple days,” manager Dave Roberts said.
Now, he will be sidelined for at least 10 days, representing the team’s first injury loss since the start of the regular season.
In Betts’ absence, Roberts said Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland would likely share time at shortstop. They had previously been platooning at second base, and figure to remain in the mix for playing time there, too.
However, with Kim now back on the roster, he could be in line for regular playing time at that spot.
Despite a strong start to his rookie season last year, Kim struggled down the stretch, was used only as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement in the playoffs, and then failed to make the Opening Day roster this spring amid a continued swing makeover.
The 27-year-old has started the season well down in triple-A, batting .346 (9-for-26) with a double, two RBIs and four walks. Importantly, his strikeout rate has been better too, punching out just seven times in his first 32 plate appearances.
That will be the goal for Kim now: Trying to work good at-bats, play up to his contact-first skillset and use his speed and defensive strengths to make positive contributions.
Just eight games into the season, the Dodgers will need it to navigate their first impact injury.
