As expected, the Dodgers have placed Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list with a cracked rib and recalled Zach McKinstry. They also activated starter Andrew Heaney, optioning Reyes Moronta.
Betts' excellence has become almost commonplace, as he’s again putting together a season that should merit MVP consideration if he’s able to return healthy. The former MVP is hitting .273/.349/.535 for a 148 wRC+. Combining that batting line with his excellent defense and baserunning, Betts has already accrued 3.3 wins above replacement on the year, in the estimation of FanGraphs.
As much as it hurts to lose Betts, Heaney is a big return for the Dodgers. Los Angeles is eager to see what exactly they have in Heaney, who made two scoreless starts at the outset of this season before going on the injured list. The former Angel is coming off a disastrous season, of course, in which he logged an overall 5.83 ERA/4.85 FIP with the Angels and Yankees. He became basically unplayable while in pinstripes, but looks to bounce back in Dodger blue.
Moronta, 29, is losing his spot on the big league club for now. He has been consistently good in the majors, though in mostly limited samples. He has made eight appearances this season with a 2.00 ERA and 2.47 FIP. It’s likely that he will return to the bigs at some point this season.
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