The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list with a left hand fracture.
Betts sustained the injury during the seventh inning on Sunday when he was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Dan Altavilla. Betts immediately went to the ground in pain and was checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima before ultimately walking off the field.
“I think it’s the first time I got hit in the hand, so I wasn’t sure,” answered Betts when asked if he immediately suspected a broken hand. “I just went numb and it hurt. Unfortunately, it’s broke. Nothing we can really do now.”
The Dodgers and Betts weren’t yet certain of a timeline for his return, but expected to have more clarity once he visited with hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin of the Kerlan-Jobe Surgery Center in Los Angeles.
Although Betts does not need surgery, he’s likely to miss several weeks, if not multiple months. The Dodgers plan to primarily utilize Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández at shortstop in Betts’ absence.
Shohei Ohtani is the early favorite to take on the role of leadoff hitter in the Dodgers lineup.
Vargas is back on the Dodgers roster five days after getting optioned as a corresponding move to Cavan Biggio being activated. Vargas is eligible to make a quick return because he’s replacing an injured player.
During his last stint with the Dodgers, the former top prospect appeared in just eight (six starts) of 22 games. Vargas went 5-for-20 with three doubles, one home run and four RBI during that stretch.
Miguel Vargas’ role
Like in his previous time up with the Dodgers, Vargas is expected to play left field and be an option off the bench.
In 41 games with Oklahoma City this year, he’s hit .290/.440/.566 with 14 doubles, eight home runs and 38 RBI.
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