Mookie Betts Injury Update- Dave Roberts reveals 8x All-Star taking batting practices again, likely to be back in "next couple of weeks"
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has been trying to make his return to the lineup ever since being placed on the injured list on June 17. The eight-time All-Star is recovering from a left-hand fracture he suffered during a game against the Kansas City Royals.
Betts’ efforts seem to be showing some good signs. He started by hitting off a tee and has now moved on to batting practice.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared the news while also revealing he expects Betts to return within the "next couple of weeks", per LA Times’ Jack Harris.
Roberts also revealed that Max Muncy is expected to start swinging again tomorrow, after not playing baseball for about two and a half months.
As for Mookie Betts, he can do most baseball activities during his rehab process. With his injured hand, he recently fielded backhand ground balls, which the Dodgers skipper also observed (via Dodger Blue):
“Mookie looks great. Saw him taking more grounders today and running around. He took some swings today, felt good swinging the bat. It showed enough grip strength to take some swings. He did say it was weak, which is to be expected,” Roberts said.
Before being sidelined due to injury, Betts was batting .304 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a 3.9 WAR in 72 games.
Dave Roberts could shift Mookie Betts to second base citing Miguel Rojas' performance
After Betts got injured, the LA Dodgers shifted Miguel Rojas to the shortstop position. Rojas has taken on the responsibilities well and had a stellar defensive performance before he too succumbed to an injury.
When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked if he could keep Miguel Rojas at shortstop while shifting Mookie Betts to second base, which was originally planned for the start of the season, he said (via LA Times):
“I would, I would. I don’t think anyone can debate the level of shortstop play from Miguel Rojas. Some of it is contingent on the timeline for Mookie’s return and where Miggy is physically and how things are going. But to your question, would I consider it? Absolutely.”
Mookie Betts was originally planned to play second base full-time, but due to Gavin Lux’s performance, the Dodgers changed their plans.
With Lux improving and the addition of utility player Tommy Edman along with shortstop Amed Rosario, it will be interesting to see what the team’s lineup looks like after Betts returns.
The Dodgers are currently atop the NL West standings with a 63-46 record. The club will face the Oakland Athletics next at Oakland Coliseum. The first game of their three-game series begins on Friday.