The Los Angeles Dodgers may have an injury crisis on their hands. Just a day following Yoshinobu Yamamoto was called out after just two innings, now, Mookie Betts is set for a lengthy absence. With the 2018 MVP getting hit by a 98 mph pitch, Betts’ absence can prove to be a massive blow for the Blue Crew. Especially considering his comments showed how he expects to be out for a considerable period.

Mookie Betts faced the Kansas City Royals’ Dan Altavilla in the seventh inning. The Dodgers star was 1-2 in pitch count when Altavilla’s 97.9 mph four-seamer hit his left hand. Betts immediately went to the ground and was visibly in deep pain. Skipper Dave Roberts immediately came to the scene but couldn’t do much about it. After the game, Roberts revealed that Betts won’t need surgery but his return timeline remains uncertain.

In his postgame interview, Betts shared that he’ll be visiting the orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steven  Shin at Cedars-Sinai on Monday. He noted that this was his first time ever to get hit on the hands (to his recollection). So, when asked about what he’ll be doing next, Betts affirmed that he’d be supporting his teammates from the back, claiming, “Obviously, I’ll be watching the boys, cheering them on.”

“But other than that, it’s just kind of rest, maybe use it as a mental break. Be ready to go whenever it heals up,” Betts further added. Despite playing in a new position (shortstop), Mookie Betts’ impact has been huge on the team. As the Los Angeles Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, Betts’ .304 average and .893 OPS made him one of the most important lynchpins of the team. The Blue Crew is in flux, now that Betts will be absent for a long time. This, coupled with Yamamoto’s injury, marks a growing concern within the Dodgers clubhouse.

Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Max Muncy – injury crisis in Dodgers

While Mookie Betts’ left-hand fracture won’t require surgery, he’ll be on the injured list for a considerable time. Before yesterday’s game, the Dodgers revealed that Yoshinobu Yamamoto, too, was entering into the 15-day IL due to a strained right rotator cuff. On top of that, they also placed Michael Grove (right intercostal strain) on the injured list.

With Max Muncy already struggling to recover from his right oblique strain, the Dodgers’ left infield has lost both of its crucial parts. Miguel Rojas and Kike Hernandez will be filling in but the squad looks shaky. Dave Roberts also shared that in the absence of Betts, Shohei Ohtani is expected to do the leadoff duties. With the team already dealing with consistency issues, one wonders just how difficult the next few months will be for the Blue Crew.

What do you make of these consistent setbacks for the team? Let us know in the comments.

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