After an injury-riddled 2021 season, Mookie Betts is ready to get back — and remain on the field — for the Los Angeles Dodgers as Spring Training begins.
Betts dealt with lower back stiffness for the first month of last season and later he was slowed down by a bone spur in his hip that twice sent him to the 10-day injured list.
During his second stint on the IL, Betts met with a specialist and received more treatment, which finally left him without pain. Despite that, there was still some concern Betts would need surgery to treat the injury in the offseason.
Luckily for him, the surgery was deemed unnecessary and now he is feeling fully healthy as he prepares for the 2022 season, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
The pain that was Mookie Betts’ constant companion for most of the 2021 season is all behind him now. “I did some good work to get back healthy and I’m ready to go,” he said in Dodgers camp Tuesday.
Betts was left on his own to rehab during the three-month-long MLB lockout as he, like every other player, was unable to have any contact with members of the Dodgers’ organization. Everything still went well, and the 29-year-old did not need to receive any more cortisone injections or MRIs that may have required the Dodgers training staff:
“Things have been smooth,” Betts said. “It’s been pretty normal. So no need.”
Last season, Betts was limited to 122 games and hit .264/.367/.487 with 23 home runs, a 131 wRC+ and 3.9 WAR.
Now healthy again, the 2018 American League MVP looks to rebound after a down season by his standards, and lead the Dodgers to another World Series title.
Trea Turner open to contract extension with Dodgers
Although the Dodgers lost All-Star shortstop Corey Seager to the Texas Rangers in free agency, they still have one of the best players at that position on their roster in Trea Turner.
However, the Dodgers may not find themselves with that luxury after the 2022 season. Turner is entering his final year of arbitration, which means he is due to become a free agent this winter if not signed to a contract extension during the season.
The Dodgers could once again find themselves trying to come to terms with their superstar shortstop in the final year of his deal. But unlike last year, negotiations might continue into the season if they are unable to work out a deal in Spring Training as Turner is open to talking at any point.
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