HBP limits Betts' workday to one inning

Manager Dave Roberts said National League MVP candidate Mookie Betts is day to day after being removed from the Dodgers’ 7-6 victory over the Angels on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium shortly after being hit high on the left hip by a pitch from Julio Teheran.

With one game left in the regular season, “day to day” probably means Betts gets bubble wrapped until Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Wednesday. Roberts said Betts did not need any medical tests.

Betts led off the bottom of the first inning and was struck by an 89.9 mph sinker. Betts remained in the game, coming around to score on a bases-loaded walk by Cody Bellinger, and he was in the on-deck circle when the inning ended as the Dodgers sent nine batters to the plate.

For the top of the second inning, Betts was replaced in right field by Enrique Hernández.

Betts is batting .292 with 16 home runs and 39 RBIs while playing Gold Glove-caliber right field for the Dodgers.

Noteworthy
• Roberts said it isn’t fair to label Gavin Lux’s 2020 season as a disappointment, but he said Taylor has deserved to play in the postseason, possibly every day. Lux was initially given a “runway” to win the second-base job, but he has hit only .180 and his playing time has dried up. Roberts said Lux doesn’t figure to start in the postseason but left open his roster status.

• Roberts said that left-hander Julio Urías, preparing for a relief role in the Wild Card Series, threw a “very aggressive” bullpen session on Saturday and “is lined up for whatever we need.”

• The Dodgers haven’t ruled out carrying third catcher Keibert Ruiz in the best-of-three Wild Card Series, but Roberts said a third catcher “is more realistic in a five- or seven-game series.”