The Los Angeles Dodgers are activating Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list on Sunday for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which is the first day he is eligible to be reinstated.
Betts was originally placed on the IL with right hip inflammation on July 25, but it was retroactive to July 22. He was originally expected to only miss a game or two but when Betts’ hip didn’t improve, L.A. decided to give him some time off.
“I think the cortisone shot just took a little longer to kick in than expected,” Betts explained. “Obviously, the training staff has been doing a great job in getting my body ready. It’s definitely been a team effort to get ready.”
The 28-year-old is unsure of how he injured his hip and the hope is to avoid aggravating it again moving forward.
“That’s the tough part, is I don’t really know why it’s here or how to get it to go away, other than time,” Betts noted. “We don’t have that, so we just have to manage and do everything we can to keep it at bay.
“I wish it would’ve come from like I ran into the wall or something. Not just out of nowhere. It would’ve made a little more sense, but it is what it is. You’ve just got to deal with it. The training staff has done a great job in helping me get to where I’m at now.”
For Betts, the injury could not have come at a worse time as he was starting to find his swing. After the All-Star break, he hit .700/636/1.400 in 11 plate appearances before the injury required a stint on the IL.
“It definitely was bad timing,” Betts said. “I started to feel a little better, was putting some good swings on some pitches, but it is what it is. Just play the cards that you’re dealt.”
This is the first time he has dealt with nagging injuries in a season but the 2018 American League MVP now feels ready to return.
“Everything is good to go,” Betts said. “Just got to keep an eye on the hip and everything should be fine.”
Dodgers place Gonsolin on IL
The Dodgers placed Tony Gonsolin on the 10-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation and recalled Garrett Cleavinger from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
This is the second time Gonsolin made a trip to the IL this season as he previously missed the first 60 games with the same injury.
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