Despite efforts to alleviate pressure on Mookie Betts in the field by playing him at second base, the Los Angeles Dodgers ultimately could not avoid a second stint on the 10-day injured list since the All-Star break because of right hip inflammation.
Betts returned from the road trip well ahead of the team so he could meet with doctors, and it was discovered his right hip trouble has been caused by a bone spur. Betts received an injection that the Dodgers hope will take better effect than a first cortisone shot.
Time will tell how that pans out, but for now the 2018 American League MVP has again started some level of activity.
“He’s in the weight room right now with our guys, doing some kind of active warmup stuff,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Monday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. “I don’t know if it’s going to entail playing catch, hitting, running the bases.
“I haven’t seen him yet, so I’ll know more once I see him and talk to the guys. But I do know he’s actively doing some things and getting his body going. I should know more tomorrow or even later today once I talk to him.”
The Dodgers have not set a timetable for Betts’ return, and Roberts previously noted it largely is predicated on pain tolerance.
A more long-term solution will likely be needed, but for now the team does not anticipate Betts requiring surgery during the season.
Kershaw starts throwing program
After a stalled attempt at a comeback earlier this month, Clayton Kershaw began playing catch on Monday. He previously did so and built up to a simulated game but that brought about lingering soreness in his left elbow that required a period of being shut down.
“It’s kind of playing catch over the next couple days and how his arm responds to that will determine how aggressive we can be,” Roberts said. “This is the first day of catch play, and we’ll see how he feels later and [Tuesday].”
Kershaw and the Dodgers remain optimistic he will return at some point in September. Because of being transferred to the 60-day IL, the earliest that could happen is Sept. 5.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
