Mookie Betts has been sidelined since the middle of June, but continues making progress toward a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
The eight-time All-Star was recently cleared to start hitting soft toss and off a tee. He is also among the players that will participate in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.
Manager Dave Roberts said Betts could be activated off the injured list as soon as Aug. 12 or 13, which would come during the next Dodgers road trip, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Mookie Betts’ return is “trending” towards August 12 or 13, Roberts said
Betts’ imminent return should give a massive boost to a Dodgers lineup that has struggled while several key players work their way back from injury.
Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor and Tommy Edman also remain out, while Freddie Freeman has been away from the team due to his son’s battle with a rare neurological disorder.
With Betts and the other aforementioned players sidelined, the Dodgers have seen their lead in the National League West shrink significantly. They entered play Sunday with only a 4.5-game lead over the San Diego Padres.
Betts is hitting .304/.405/.488 with 16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 331 plate appearances over 72 games this season.
What position will Mookie Betts play?
Betts has served as the Dodgers’ primary shortstop this season, but Roberts said he would consider moving him back to second base.
The team acquired Edman and Amed Rosario at the trade deadline, who have experience at multiple positions including shortstop. L.A. also signed Nick Ahmed to fill in as a stopgap for the injured Rojas, who is expected to return this season.
However, with Gavin Lux swinging the bat well as of late, Betts could ultimately remain at shortstop.
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