The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the best teams in baseball throughout the season, but navigating the next few weeks will be challenging. Star shortstop Mookie Betts will not be in the lineup after suffering a brutal injury on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals.
During the team’s 3-0 victory, Mookie Betts was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning by Dan Altavilla. A 97.9 mph fastball drilled the former MVP right in the left hand, resulting in him breaking it.
“It’s a big blow,” Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I feel bad for Mookie because he’s having an MVP-type season.”
On Sunday, Betts went 0-for-3 at the plate, dropping his average to .304 on the season, which is ninth in the MLB. He is fourth in on-base percentage at .405 and is tied for fifth with 86 hits.
Replacing that kind of production will not be easy. It will take an entire team effort from the Los Angeles Dodgers, as Mookie Betts has been one of the most consistent producers at the plate this season.
After the game on Sunday, he did speak to reporters and provided an update. A visit to hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin is scheduled for Monday, and after that, we will know more about a potential timeline for his return to action.
“I think that’s the first time I got hit in the hand so I wasn’t sure,” Betts said when asked if he knew immediately the hand was broken. “I just went numb and it hurt. Unfortunately, it’s broke. There’s [nothing] we can really do now.
“Just kind of up and in. I was holding my ground. Unfortunately, it hit me in the hand.”
With Mookie Betts sidelined, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to make Miguel Rojas their starting shortstop for the time being. Veteran Kike Hernandez could also get some reps there in the coming weeks.
His absence will require a major change to the batting order as well. Mookie Betts has hit first in all 72 games that he has started. Roberts said that spot in the lineup will now be occupied by Shohei Ohtani.
“It’s very tough to see,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “He’s obviously a very important part of the team. It’s really up to the rest of the team to pick him up.”
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