Mookie Betts scratched from Dodgers lineup with right wrist soreness, Miguel Rojas set at shortstop

Mookie Betts was scratched from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Wednesday night’s series finale against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park due to right wrist soreness, the team announced. The All-Star caliber second baseman and shortstop was listed as unavailable as a precaution, meaning the Dodgers opted not to start him with the discomfort rather than pushing through it.

Betts’ late absence forced the Dodgers to adjust their defensive plan and their batting order at the point of the game where lineups are typically locked in. With the team needing a replacement at shortstop, Miguel Rojas slid into the starting role, taking Betts’ place at the keystone defensive position.

The lineup shuffle also reached the middle of the order. Max Muncy was moved up to the cleanup spot, a change that reflects how quickly teams must re-balance roles when a key bat is removed on the day of the game. For the Dodgers, the priority was to keep the offense functioning in a familiar structure while still covering for Betts’ absence on the field.

For Betts, the decision to hold him out underscored how wrist issues can be a recurring risk for hitters. Even when soreness is described as precautionary, wrist discomfort matters because of the mechanical load involved in hitting, fielding, and throwing. The Dodgers’ approach suggests they are trying to avoid a worsening condition by limiting exposure before the next stretch of games.

Rojas’ insertion at shortstop also carried its own significance. As an experienced infielder, Rojas provides the Dodgers with a steady option at a position that can demand quick reactions and frequent throws across the diamond. Wednesday’s game became a test of that continuity, with the Dodgers working to keep their infield rhythm intact despite the change.

The Athletics, meanwhile, will get a matchup in which one of the game’s most versatile players is not available. From Oakland’s perspective, Betts’ scratch alters the Dodgers’ overall run creation, especially the lineup’s balance between power threats and high-contact at-bats.

What to watch next is clarity on Betts’ status over the coming days. A precautionary holdout can range from a brief rest to something that requires additional time, and wrist issues often come with a day-to-day evaluation process. For now, Los Angeles will focus on getting the infield alignment and the lineup order working smoothly without Betts, then determining whether he can return as the schedule continues.