The Los Angeles Dodgers will not see Mookie Betts in action for some time. They already knew that when it was revealed that the star shortstop went down with a fractured hand injury in last Sunday's home game against the Kansas City Royals, but Los Angeles now has a better idea of how long he's going to be out, with LA manager Dave Roberts saying that the former American League Most Valuable Player is expected to miss six to eight weeks (h/t Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY).
Roberts delivered the news just before the Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies kick off a four-game series at Coors Field.
It can be recalled that Betts got hit in his left hand by a fastball from Kansas City reliever Dan Altavilla during the seventh inning of the aforementioned matchup.
“You just gotta stay in there. Can’t be scared, you know, kind of stay there, especially with a guy with a pretty good slider,” Mookie Betts opened up following that game, which the Dodgers won, 3-0 (h/t ESPN). “Just kind of up and in. I was holding my ground. Unfortunately, it hit me in the hand.”
The good news for the Dodgers is that Betts is still expected to return this season. Moreover, Betts doesn't need to go under the knife to repair the injury. There is also no need for the Dodgers to panic amid the absence of one of their best players in the meantime, as Los Angeles remains very much ahead of their rivals in the National League West division with a 44-29 record — eight games ahead of the teams in the division. That being said, Betts' absence hurts the Dodgers' chances of catching the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the National League. The Dodgers are four games behind the Phillies at the time of this writing. They are also just in front of the Milwaukee Bucks by a game for the No. 2 seed in the NL.
Betts' absence leaves a big hole on offense that the Dodgers need to cover. So far in the 2024 MLB season, Betts is hitting .304/.405/.488 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs to go along with a fantastic 154 OPS+. In addition, Betts has been striking out a lower rate and posting a higher walk rate this season compared to his numbers in the 2023 campaign.
The Dodgers have already called up Miguel Vargas to fill the void on the active roster temporarily left by Mookie Betts while Miguel Rojas is expected to start at shortstop for now.
Fans react to latest Mookie Betts injury update
Mookie Betts' injury and this latest update on his recovery timeline have fans expressing their thoughts on social media.
Here are some of the fans' reactions:
“Roberts & Dodgers management has a history of not being very truthful regarding injuries – but 8 weeks would be great; gives Mookie 6 weeks back before the playoffs.”
“Fair, closer to 8 weeks, but it may take another 3/4 to get back into the swing of things. Get well Mooks”
“Back by August 5th. They will acquire a SS at the deadline and it will be a perfect opportunity to move Betts back to 2B or RF.”
“This is exactly the timeline I was thinking, and hoping for. Hopefully Betts is one of those “fast healers” and is back sooner. I imagine there will be no rush though, and will see where he is at come the trade deadline.”
“Need him to be 100% before the playoffs.”
“Tough break for he and the Dodgers. Hopefully his recovery goes well.”
“Ouch, not good to see Mookie Betts out, he's good for baseball.”
