Dodgers star Mookie Betts lands on IL after suffering oblique injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed shortstop Mookie Betts on injured reserve Sunday because of a right oblique strain and recalled Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Betts left Saturday’s 10-5 win over the Washington Nationals after walking and scoring in the first inning. Manager Dave Roberts said the Dodgers believed Betts was initially injured in an at-bat miss. Although Roberts said he is hesitant to put a timetable on Betts’ return, he hopes it will be quicker than a 4-6 week absence. “He’s actually in a better mood,” Roberts said. “He’s obviously disappointed, but the way he feels today, I think he’s dealt with this before and said it was better than he remembered from his past experience, so that was encouraging.” Betts hit .179 in Los Angeles’ first eight games. The 33-year-old hit .258 with 20 homers and 82 RBIs in 150 games last season. Kim hit .280 with three homers and 17 RBIs in 71 games as a rookie last season. Roberts said Kim and Miguel Rojas would likely split time at shortstop while Betts was out. Rojas replaced Betts in Saturday’s game and sits second Sunday against the Nationals. Roberts said Kim would likely start two of three games in the Dodgers’ Toronto series against the Blue Jays that begins Monday. The Dodgers lineup should also have a different look. Betts has reached third in every game this season after spending much of last year at second. “It’s Mookie Betts, so that’s definitely a change,” Roberts said. “But that’s the great thing about having depth that a lot of teams don’t have. A short platoon and we feel like we have good matchups, it’s not that bad and it gives other guys opportunities. But it’s a blow, for sure.” Associated Press reporting.