"It's a tough decision": Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts shares reason to DFA Amed Rosario amid Mookie Betts' return to lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers have cut Amed Rosario from the active roster and designated him for assignment. Ahead of Monday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, a player was going to lose his spot on the roster to make way for Mookie Betts, who was reinstated from 60-day IL, and it seems Rosario took the fall.

The Dodgers acquired Rosario from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor-league reliever Michael Flynn. Before Monday's game, Dave Roberts spoke about the roster moves concerning the team losing Rosario from the active roster despite him playing well (.305/.331/.415).

"You're cutting ties with a really good ballplayer, that's versatile...I really like Amed a lot. It's a tough decision, it really is. But with our lineup construction, I just didn't see a lot of runway for him when we got guys coming back," the Dodgers manager said via Fabian Ardaya/X.

Meanwhile, Betts is coming off a fractured left hand, which he suffered in a game against the Kansas City Royals in mid-June. Interestingly, the Dodgers didn't have Betts play any rehab games before his return to the majors.

Mookie Betts' defensive position to be altered vs. Brewers

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers - Source: Imagn

After playing shortstop for the majority of this season, Dave Roberts will have his dynamic player back to where he's played all his career: the right field. The adjustment will start with Monday's game as Mookie Betts returns from injury.

When asked about his defensive plans switching again ahead of his return, the outfielder said the decision was "mutual."

“At some point you have to be real with yourself,” he said, and that best alignment back in the OF. I just want to win.”

This is not the only new update concerning Betts. The right fielder, who has played the leadoff spot for most of his career, will now hit behind Shohei Ohtani in the second spot. Dave Roberts mentioned last week that the move will allow the club to separate two lefties, i.e., Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, from hitting back-to-back.