Mookie Betts was originally part of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup posted in the clubhouse on Friday as they begin their series with the New York Yankees, but he was scratched because of a left toe issue.
Instead, it was Miguel Rojas who was starting at shortstop in place of Betts. It was a surprise considering the Dodgers are coming out of an off day, but it’s due to Betts dealing with an injury.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Betts stubbed one of his left toes on Wednesday night, so he was unable to start the series opener.
“Not sure exactly how, but we’re getting some X-rays taken,” Roberts said. “As I hear, we’re day-to-day right now, so that’s where we’re at.”
Roberts believes Betts injured his toe at home on some furniture, but he’s confident the shortstop won’t be out for long, and he’s hopeful the X-rays will confirm that.
“I really don’t know. I think it was at home, and it was probably a dresser or nightstand, something like that,” Roberts said. “It was just kind of an accident. I think Mookie will be able to give more context, but that’s what I heard from the training staff.
“But hopefully It’s benign, it’s negative. I’m not sure, but I feel confident it’s day-to-day, and it’s kind of per his tolerance. But putting on a shoe today was difficult.”
Betts is unlikely to be available on Friday, but Roberts joked to let Yankees manager Aaron Boone know that he would be available, if needed.
“Yeah, he’s available in a big spot to hit, tell Aaron that,” Roberts said with a laugh.
When will Mookie Betts play again?
With Betts’ toe injury being mostly a pain tolerance issue, he could conceivably be in the lineup again before the series is over. However, after an off-day and still being out of the lineup for a stubbed toe, there should be some level of concern.
Despite that, Roberts isn’t worried about Betts over the long-term and thinks he’ll be back in the lineup sooner than later.
“Right now, not overly concerned,” Roberts said. “But obviously, it’s enough pain he can’t be in the lineup tonight. But he’ll be in there as soon as he possibly can.”
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