WASHINGTON -- Just as the top of their order has started clicking, the Dodgers' back-to-back wins over the Nationals have been clouded over with uncertainty as they wait to learn more about the status of Mookie Betts.
Betts was replaced at shortstop in the bottom of the first inning of the Dodgers' 10-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday afternoon. After drawing a walk in his lone plate appearance vs. Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin, Betts scored from first base on Freddie Freeman's two-run double and felt discomfort in his right lower back area while running the bases.
Manager Dave Roberts said Betts is unlikely to play in the next couple of days. The Dodgers will consider bringing a player to Washington and Toronto to either have on the taxi squad or activate if Betts needs a stint on the injured list. Betts will undergo an MRI on his back on Saturday night.
"It's certainly more moderate than significant," Roberts said.
Miguel Rojas replaced Betts at shortstop, plating a run on a sacrifice fly and fielding the position well, including making a nifty throw from the seat of his pants to retire James Wood at first base in the seventh inning. Rojas and Alex Freeland -- who currently make up the Dodgers' platoon at second base -- will be the primary options at shortstop in the short term.
If Betts' back injury requires a more long-term solution, then Hyeseong Kim would likely be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Kim put together an impressive Spring Training but started the season in the Minors because the Dodgers wanted him to continue working on his swing. Entering Saturday, Kim had gone 9-for-26 (.346) with seven strikeouts against four walks in six games with the Comets.
Along with the others hitting at the top of the order, Betts had a slow start at the plate, but he was coming off a 2-for-6 showing that included a go-ahead two-run homer on Friday at Nationals Park. He continued to shine defensively early on in his second full season as the Dodgers' starting shortstop.
"Disappointed for him. Because we're starting to get going a little bit, and the way he's playing defense, and he's a big part of what we do," Roberts said. "Any time you miss, it's gonna take some time to get your footing. So disappointed for him, but hopeful that it's not long term."