Dodgers Make Pivotal Roster Decision Ahead of Mookie Betts Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been in a bit of a rut the last few weeks after getting off to a blistering start to the 2026 MLB season, but they might get some much-needed help in the form of four-time World Series champion Mookie Betts.

The former MVP missed the past month due to an oblique strain he suffered against the Washington Nationals on the road at the beginning of April.

But following a month to heal and a quick rehabilitation series with the Triple-A organization, the Oklahoma City Comets, over the weekend, Betts will be officially back in the Dodgers lineup on Monday when they begin a four-game series against their archrival, the San Francisco Giants.

In the move to bring back Betts, though, the Dodgers were given a difficult decision on who they would remove from the roster.

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Although journeyman utility player Santiago Espinal was the obvious choice due to his poor play through the first few weeks of the season, L.A. decided to keep him on the roster because they would have needed to cut him if he had been the move.

Instead, the team decided to option youngster Alex Freeland down to the Comets, with the reason being that he will get more consistent at-bats down in the minors than sitting on the bench with Betts’ return.

The move also highlighted South Korean infielder Kim Hye-seong, who began the year with the Comets, as the Dodgers picked Freeland over him for the opening-day roster. Manager Dave Roberts praised Kim’s evolution since being called up due to Betts’ injury and his establishment on the team.

With Betts returning to take over the shortstop position, Kim is expected to be the team’s starting second baseman alongside Miguel Rojas.

For Kim, his next challenge would be when projected starter Tommy Edman returns from ankle surgery, which might come later this summer after the All-Star break.

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 4:27 PM.