The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Mookie Betts since June 15 due to a fractured right rib, but he is making quick progress toward a return and could be activated off the 10-day injured list within a matter of days.
Betts took batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Thursday and Friday, and also fielded grounders at second base, fueling speculation he could see time at the position upon initially returning.
“Well, there’s a possibility,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Betts potentially playing second base. “He’s been on record saying he doesn’t really love to DH and he just doesn’t feel comfortable.
“So if there’s a way that we could get him into the lineup, and if it’s second base, then so be it. And we’ll move pieces around.”
Betts came up with the Boston Red Sox as a second baseman but has since developed into arguably the best defensive right fielder in baseball.
The 29-year-old made a handful of starts at second base last year while playing through a significant hip injury and also occasionally saw time there during the 2020 season.
Similar to last season, Roberts believes a temporary move to second base could benefit Betts as he plays through another injury. “I think that’s what it is,” Roberts said.
“The stroke, the short throw from second base, potential turning of a double play is different than really stretching it out.”
Betts & Turner advance as finalists for MLB All-Star Game voting
Betts and Trea Turner were named among the National League finalists in voting for the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. Betts and Turner advanced to Phase 2 of All-Star Game voting, but no other Dodgers made the cut.
Betts paced all NL players in two voting updates but couldn’t hold off a late push from the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. Betts closed Phase 1 with 3,479,480 votes to 3,503,188 for Acuña.
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