The Los Angeles Dodgers’ woes this season can be limited to one simple word: injuries. They have affected countless players, and now it’s within the realm of possibility that Mookie Betts will be the latest to fall victim to the injured list.
After Betts skipped the 2021 MLB All-Star Game to rest his body for the second half of the season, there was hope he would return to MVP form. However, the 28-year-old has now been beset by right hip irritation, which is at the worst it has been all season.
Betts has been out of the Dodgers’ lineup since exiting last Saturday’s game early, and whether he returns in the near future is highly questionable. In fact, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts thinks the team could be without its right fielder for a period of time.
“It’s certainly a possibility,” Roberts answered when asked if Betts could wind up on the IL. “I didn’t think it was a few days ago, but once we get to a certain point, to backdate the three days, it’s a possibility.
“It’s not ideal, but the most important thing is getting Mookie back to 100%.”
The Dodgers locked Betts up for 12 years last July, and the team is exercising precaution with his return. Though they miss his bat and stellar defense, they’re giving their $365 million man all the time he needs to recover.
“With Mookie, he’s just sort of day-to-day,” Roberts added. “We’re trying to take some of the inflammation out, get him to feeling good and we’ll see where he’s at as the day moves forward.”
Betts’ IL stint would add to ever-growing list
The list of Dodgers on the IL has grown particularly long as of late. Should Betts land on it next, he will join six of his teammates.
Corey Knebel has been out due to a lat strain since April 24 and isn’t expected to return until mid-August, and Corey Seager has been out with a broken hand since May 16 and has no definite return date set in stone.
Clayton Kershaw, Jimmy Nelson and Scott Alexander each were placed on the IL in July, which is devastating to a team in urgent need of pitching help. Additionally, Gavin Lux joined the group on July 19 after suffering a left hamstring strain.
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