MILWAUKEE -- Fans behind the Dodgers’ dugout at American Family Field on Monday cheered as Los Angeles walked off the field following pregame batting practice. When Mookie Betts acknowledged them with a wave, their cheers grew louder.

Their applause was even louder about two hours later. Betts, whom the Dodgers activated off the 10-day injured list on Monday, crushed a two-run homer in his return, in the third inning off Brewers ace Freddy Peralta before adding an RBI single and a stolen base in the seventh of the Dodgers' 5-2 win in the series opener.

Betts returned on Monday following his near-two-month absence for a fractured left hand -- which he suffered on June 16. In a corresponding move, Los Angeles designated Amed Rosario for assignment.

“Being able to pencil his name in the lineup, we certainly got a lot better,” manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re kind of getting to the point where we’re putting guys in their respective spots in the order, which adds length and makes us a better ballclub.”

Betts returned to the starting lineup for the series opener against the Brewers, batting second and playing right field. It marked Betts’ first start in the No. 2 spot since Aug. 12, 2020, and his first time playing right field since last season.

Betts, who moved to shortstop this season, has played 65 games there this season (61 starts) along with 16 appearances at second base (11 starts).

“It's just whatever's best for the team, man. I felt like that's what's best for the team,” Betts said pregame Monday. “I do believe that I can be a good shortstop, but I know there’s a couple guys in our clubhouse that are very, very good -- Gold Glove winners.”

That includes Nick Ahmed (two-time Gold Glover). The Dodgers have him and Miguel Rojas as options at short. And, of course, Betts has 10 seasons of experience playing right field where he’s a six-time Gold Glove Award winner.

“It’s not like I’ve been years away from it,” Betts said. “It hasn’t even been a year. I’ve still got it in me.”

Betts’ return from the IL -- and his return to the outfield -- had a domino effect on the rest of the roster. Roberts said it was a “difficult conversation” in regards to the move to DFA Rosario. The Dodgers acquired him from the Rays before the Trade Deadline on July 29.

“With Mookie coming back, we had a tough decision. Tough conversation,” Roberts said. “I’m sure he’s going to land somewhere. I told him he’s a championship-caliber baseball player. I’m looking forward to seeing him sometime in the postseason.”

Roberts also said he talked to veteran outfielder Jason Heyward a few days ago, calling it “another difficult conversation.” With Betts moving back to right, Andy Pages and Kevin Kiermaier in center and Teoscar Hernández in left, Heyward’s playing time is likely to be impacted.

Roberts noted he will look to find Heyward playing time. That could mean as a spot starter in right or in pinch-hitting situations.

“Jason just wants to be a part of things and will do anything that’s asked,” Roberts said. “He wants to play, like all players want to play. [He] understands where we’re at, how this roster is shaping up, the value of Mookie playing right field and what the implications are.”