The wait is finally over, Dodgers fans. After five long weeks on the injured list with a strained right oblique, Mookie Betts is set to return to the lineup on Monday as Los Angeles hosts the San Francisco Giants in a pivotal four-game series.
It's been a tough stretch for the Dodgers' offense, which has struggled to find consistency. After grinding out three runs in a win against Braves ace Chris Sale—who had only allowed that many runs in his last four starts combined—the bats went quiet. The team managed just two runs in the final two games of the Atlanta series, both coming on two-run homers: one in the ninth inning on Saturday, and another in the eighth on Sunday. While one player alone can't solve all the offensive woes, Betts could be exactly the spark this lineup needs.
Before his injury, Betts was batting third. During his absence, the lineup saw some shuffling, with Will Smith sliding into the three-hole and Kyle Tucker dropping to cleanup. Betts is expected to hit second upon his return, which would give the Dodgers alternating sides of the plate at the top of the order. Alternatively, they could stack right-handed batters against right-handed pitchers. Since Betts only got two rehab games at Triple-A Oklahoma City, the team plans to have him play Monday and Tuesday, with a scheduled off day Wednesday. With the Dodgers in the middle of a grueling 13-game stretch without a day off, managing his workload will be key.
On the mound, the Dodgers will send Roki Sasaki, who was originally slated to start Saturday against the Braves but was pushed back for Blake Snell's return. The Giants will counter with right-hander Trevor McDonald, who impressed in his only start this season last Monday against the Padres, tossing seven innings of one-run ball with two hits, no walks, and eight strikeouts. McDonald was initially a spot starter, but with Logan Webb hitting the IL, he'll take a regular rotation spot.
With Betts back and a division rival in town, this series has all the makings of a turning point. Grab your Dodgers gear and get ready—the energy at Dodger Stadium is about to get electric.