Mookie Betts initially was in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, but he again was scratched due to lingering discomfort in his right ribs. Betts missed the series opener because of what the team described as a right rib contusion.
X-rays were negative, but he was scheduled to undergo a CT scan that manager Dave Roberts said before first pitch wound up being bypassed because Betts reported improvement. However, after the Dodgers’ 7-1 win, Roberts revealed Betts has a fracture in his ribs and will go on the 10-day injured list.
“Mookie was preparing for the game this morning and couldn’t quite loosen up,” Roberts explained. “So we ended up obviously scratching him from the lineup and he ended up getting some more imaging.
“An MRI scan revealed a cracked rib, so he’s going to go on the IL. The time to return is basically TBD.”
Betts sustained the injury as a result from colliding with Cody Bellinger in the first inning of Wednesday’s game.
The collision sent Betts to the ground and knocked the ball come out of his glove for what was initially ruled a base hit but later changed to an error on Bellinger. Betts didn’t show any signs of trouble as he remained in the game, but did finish 0-for-4 with one strikeout in the Freeway Series finale.
“It’s certainly a big blow to all of us,” Roberts said. “But at least having the information and knowing what it is, at least there’s solace in that. Hopefully we’ll get him back sooner than later.”
After a historic month of May, Betts has been mired in a 3-for-39 skid since having a four-game hitting streak snapped on June 5.
How will Dodgers replace Mookie Betts?
Like he did the past two games, Trea Turner figures to be cemented in the leadoff spot of the Dodgers lineup while Betts remains on the IL.
As for the roster move, Roberts said the Dodgers expect to recall Zach McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.
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