Mookie Betts set to return to lineup Monday vs. Brewers

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had to settle for only two former MVPs – rather than their usual three – in their lineup over their last 45 games. On Monday night, they get back their third.

Mookie Betts will make his return to the Dodgers' lineup and play right field against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. Betts had missed nearly two full months of action after fracturing his hand in a June 16 game against the Royals.

The 2018 AL MVP's return to right field – a position where he's won six Gold Gloves – is coming as a bit of a surprise just days after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced he'd continue to play shortstop. Betts had exclusively played shortstop and second base this season prior to his injury.

Roberts told reporters Friday the move would help Betts re-acclimate to playing after almost two months on the injured list. The skipper also said Miguel Rojas would continue to play shortstop, where he started for the team for almost all of last year.

To make room for Betts on the roster, Los Angeles designated utility player and trade deadline acquisition Amed Rosario for assignment. Rosario was 3-for-11 with two RBIs in five games with the team.

The Dodgers were 44-29 and held the NL West lead by eight games on June 16, the day of Betts' injury. Since then, they are 25-20 and hold a 3.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS: NL West leaders and Braves in the danger zone: NL powers slump themselves into playoff race

Is Mookie Betts playing tonight?

Betts returns to the Dodgers' lineup against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee on Monday night at 8:10 p.m. ET/5:10 p.m. PT. He will play right field.

Los Angeles has not yet announced their lineup for the game, but Betts had exclusively filled the leadoff spot in the order prior to his injury.

FREDDIE FREEMAN: First baseman's emotional return to Dodgers includes standing ovation in first at bat

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mookie Betts injury update: Former MVP returns to Dodgers' lineup