Mookie Betts was hit on the left wrist by Dan Altavilla fastball today, causing Betts to fall to the ground in pain and leave the game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times) after the game that Betts had broken a bone in his wrist and would not play “for a certain period of time,” though the former AL MVP won't need surgery.
More will be known about Bett's condition and potential recovery timeline in the coming days, but this is undoubtedly a big blow for the Dodgers. As with any wrist or hand-related injury, there is a high chance of side effects even after a player is officially cleared for action, given that any changes in grip or hand position on the bat can significantly alter the swing. The first order of business for Betts and the Dodgers is to manage this injury and recover as much as possible, though the concern won't end until Betts is back on the field and showing his usual stellar form at the plate.
Going into today's game, Betts was hitting .307/.407/.493 with 10 homers in a league-leading 327 plate appearances, adding 16 doubles and nine stolen bases (in 10 attempts) to those numbers. amazing. In addition to his often excellent offensive output, Betts has been playing a key defensive role for the Dodgers as their everyday shortstop, a role Betts earned during Spring Training after Gavin Lux was demoted. While the defensive metrics have been very mixed on Betts' glove work, the mere fact that Betts was willing to switch positions and at least handled the shortstop role well has only added to his importance on the Los Angeles roster.
The Dodgers were still expected to pursue middle relief at the deadline, both because Lux didn't hit much, and potentially speed Betts back to second base if a new everyday shortstop is found. Today's development likely makes it even more likely that LA will look to add a shortstop regardless of how long Betts misses, though it remains to be seen if the Dodgers are now looking to make a trade sooner rather than later. The team will first want to reach Betts' health, of course, and teams with available outfield depth may suddenly raise their asking prices if they see that the Dodgers are desperate in any way.
In the short term, Roberts said Miguel Vargas will be called up to Triple-A to join the infield mix. Miguel Rojas will get the bulk of the regular shortstop work, while Enrique Hernandez is also filling in at both shortstop and third base. Max Muncy is still suffering from chronic injuries and Roberts said today that Muncy's recovery has been “.slower than expected,” so it's anyone's guess when the third baseman might be able to help the Dodgers' suddenly depleted infield.
More to come….
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