The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Mookie Betts for the foreseeable future after he fractured his left hand.
Betts was hit on his hand by fastball from Royals reliever Dan Altavilla in the series finale last Sunday, which caused the injuries. After testing, the Dodgers estimated that this injury will sideline him for 6-to-8 weeks, and he fitted with a splint for his hand.
It is a lengthy absence for Betts and the Dodgers to deal with, but the bright side is that the recovery for a broken hand should be pretty straightforward and devoid of possible setbacks.
If the Dodgers’ estimation is correct, Betts should be due to return around September and gives him a little bit of time to get himself re-acclimated before the postseason.
For now, there isn’t a whole lot for him to do other than rest up and wait for his injury to heal.
“I’m not sure. Honestly, I’m not sure,” Betts said about what he’ll do in the meantime. “Obviously, I’ll be watching the boys and cheering them on. Other than that, just kind of rest, maybe use it as a mental break and be ready to go whenever it heals up.”
Before the injury, Betts was going through a bit of a slump at the plate, with some hypothesizing that it could be due to his increased attention to his duties as a shortstop. Betts declined that notion, however.
Regardless, he was enjoying another productive season with a .304 batting average, .893 on-base plus slugging percentage, 10 home runs, and 40 RBI.
The Dodgers are now left with the problem of figuring out how to fill the hole left by the betting favorite to win National League MVP heading into Sunday’s game.
Miguel Rojas to get brunt of starts with Mookie Betts out
The Dodgers could explore the trade market for a replacement at shortstop, but for now it will be Miguel Rojas getting a majority of the starts in place of the injured Betts.
Rojas has spent most of his time at shortstop, but has also played at second base and third base this season.
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