LOS ANGELES, CA: Today, Dan Altavilla slung a fastball that struck Mookie Betts in the left hand, sending him sprawling to the ground in excruciating pain before heading off the field.
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts informed reporters, including Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, that Betts will be sidelined "for some time" due to a fractured hand bone, but that surgery is not necessary.
Without a doubt, the Dodgers have suffered a huge blow. Given how minor adjustments to grip or hand placement on a bat can impact a swing, there is a good chance that residual effects could occur even after a player is cleared to return to activity, as is the case with any wrist or hand-related ailment.
While managing this injury and recovery as best as possible is the main priority for both Betts and the Dodgers, the worry won't go away until Betts returns to the field and hits the ball with his typical superstar form.
Before yesterday’s game, Betts had a league-high 327 plate appearances, hitting .307/.407/.493 with 10 home runs. He also had 16 doubles and nine stolen bases (in 10 tries) to go along with those fantastic stats.
Apart from his consistently strong hitting output, Betts has been an important defensive player for the Dodgers as their starting shortstop since Gavin Lux was relieved of his duties during Spring Training.
Even if defensive numbers regarding Betts' glovework have been inconsistent at best, his value to the Los Angeles team has increased merely because he was willing to switch positions and performed at least okay at shortstop.
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