BREAKING: Dodgers star suffers broken left hand and might be out for months

Los Angeles Dodgers’ star shortstop Mookie Betts suffered a broken left hand during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals after being hit by a 97.9 mph fastball from Dan Altavilla in the seventh inning. Betts, a former MVP and seven-time All-Star, fell to the ground in significant pain and was visibly affected by the injury.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Betts would not require surgery but did not provide a timeline for his return. Betts appeared in the clubhouse after the game with his left hand wrapped and is scheduled to see Dr. Steven Shin, a hand specialist, on Monday for further evaluation.

Reflecting on the incident, Betts recounted feeling numb and immediate pain upon being hit, acknowledging it as his first experience being hit on the hand. Despite the unfortunate injury, Betts expressed acceptance of the situation, stating, “Unfortunately, it’s broke. There’s (nothing) we can really do now.”

Betts, who went 0 for 3 in Sunday’s game, saw his batting average drop to .304, which ranks ninth in the majors. He also ranks fourth in on-base percentage (.405) and tied for fifth in hits (86) this season, highlighting his significant contributions to the Dodgers’ lineup.

Manager Dave Roberts described Betts’ injury as a major setback, expressing sympathy for Betts given his stellar performance this season, which he likened to an MVP-caliber performance.

The incident occurred when Altavilla’s pitch struck Betts at the top of his hand, prompting immediate attention from trainers and Roberts as Betts endured the impact audibly heard by spectators at Dodger Stadium.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his concern over Mookie Betts’ injury, emphasizing that while no one intends for their players to get hit, Betts’ reaction indicated this incident was particularly serious.

Dan Altavilla, the Royals pitcher who threw the fastball that hit Betts, clarified that he was aiming inside but the pitch “slipped arm-side,” affirming there was no intent behind it. Royals manager Matt Quatraro echoed remorse over the situation, highlighting Betts’ respected status in the game and expressing sympathy for the unintended outcome.

With Betts sidelined, Miguel Rojas will step in as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop, with Kiké Hernández also expected to contribute at the position. Shohei Ohtani is likely to move into the leadoff spot, a decision Roberts confirmed in light of Betts’ absence.

Ohtani, speaking through an interpreter, acknowledged Betts’ importance to the team and emphasized the need for others to step up in his absence, reflecting a team-first mentality.

Despite the challenges, the Dodgers managed to win two out of three games against the Royals, maintaining their strong position atop the NL West with a record of 44-29. However, the weekend also saw right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto placed on the 15-day injured list due to a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

Roberts acknowledged the team’s resilience in facing injuries, a common challenge in baseball, and emphasized the need for players to seize opportunities and perform well in their roles.

For Betts, this marks his first stint on the injured list in two years, recalling a previous injury in June 2022. Despite the setback, Betts remains optimistic, focusing on supporting his teammates and preparing for his return once healed.

Overall, while the weekend brought challenges for the Dodgers, including significant injuries to key players, the team remains focused on maintaining their strong performance and navigating through adversity in pursuit of their goals.

Dodgers catch two bad breaks with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mookie Betts injuries

Leading into their series against the Royals this weekend, the Dodgers had largely avoided significant injury setbacks. However, unfortunate developments occurred swiftly, starting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto landing on the injured list due to a strained triceps after exiting Saturday’s game. The situation worsened when Mookie Betts left Sunday’s game following a hand injury from being hit by a pitch.

Before this weekend, the Dodgers had been managing injuries to key players like Max Muncy and pitchers such as Bobby Miller, alongside ongoing concerns with Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May dating back to 2023. Despite these challenges, the team had navigated relatively well, though Muncy’s absence remains notable. Betts’ injury, however, represents a significant setback in comparison.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s injury is equally concerning, as he, along with Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone, formed a formidable top trio in the Dodgers’ rotation. Yamamoto is undergoing tests to determine the extent of his recovery timeline following triceps tightness. The hope is that his absence will not disrupt the team’s pitching plans as they approach the playoffs.

In Betts’ case, the Dodgers aim to reintegrate him into the lineup later in the season to ensure he adjusts to facing major league pitching again. If successful, this strategy could minimize the impact on the team’s postseason prospects.

Despite winning the series against the Royals, the injuries to Betts and Yamamoto loom large for the Dodgers’ overall outlook and playoff aspirations.