The Los Angeles Dodgers won their series against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday but at a significant cost as Mookie Betts suffered a fractured left hand.
Betts was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Royals relief pitcher Dan Altavilla to his left pinky and ring finger area that immediately sent him to the dirt in pain.
“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.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and trainer Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima rushed out of the dugout to tend on Betts as he writhed on the ground. Betts initially sat up while talking to Nakajima and Roberts before laying down as he continued to writhe in pain.
He eventually managed to slowly walk off the field after some initial manual testing with Nakajima.
“You’ve got to stay in there,” Betts explained of his at-bat. “You can’t be scared. You’ve got to stay in there, especially against a guy with a pretty good slider.
“It was just kind of up and I, and I was holding my ground and unfortunately it hit me in the hand.”
Mookie Betts timeline for hand fracture
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Betts’ injury is not considered season-ending. However, he and the team did not yet have the full scope of how long the recovery process will be.
“I’ll go see the doctor [Monday] and then we’ll know more,” Betts said.
Betts is meeting with hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin of the Kerlan-Jobe Surgery Center in Los Angeles. Even though Betts does not need surgery, he’s expected to remain on the injured list for several weeks if not multiple months.
“I’m not sure. I’m honestly not sure,” Betts said when asked how he will fill the time. “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.”
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