The Los Angeles Dodgers took their series against the Kansas City Royals with a 3-0 win on Father’s Day, but it came at a cost as Mookie Betts suffered a fracture in his left hand after getting hit by a pitch.
Betts was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Dan Altavilla near the pinky and ring finger of his left hand during the seventh inning that immediately sent him to the dirt in pain.
While Betts’ injury is not considered season-ending, he will be sidelined for the foreseeable future. The Dodgers will know more after he meets with hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin of the Kerlan-Jobe Surgery Center in Los Angeles on Monday.
Betts’ production out of the leadoff spot in the Dodgers lineup will not be easily replicated, but the team is hoping Shohei Ohtani can provide a similar spark. “That’s my initial thought, yes,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani will bat leadoff in Betts’ absence.
Ohtani was the Dodgers leadoff hitter on only one occasion this season, which came during a game against the Cincinnati Reds on May 18. However, the two-time American League MVP made 61 career starts in the leadoff spot during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani has enjoyed another fantastic season up to this point as the No. 2 hitter for the Dodgers, batting .309/.382/.594 with 18 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs, 46 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 70 games.
The 29-year-old got off to a slow start in June, but he has been swinging a hot bat as of late and will look to keep it going as the Dodgers’ new leadoff hitter.
How will Dodgers replace Mookie Betts?
The Dodgers will likely rely on Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández to fill in at shortstop while Betts is unavailable.
The team is also expected to call up Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the potential corresponding move to Betts going on the 10-day injured list.
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