Bad Timing | Dodgers Lose All-Star Mookie Betts For Undisclosed Time

LOS ANGELES, CA — After the Los Angeles Dodgers slaughtered the Cleveland Guardians 7-1 on Saturday evening, manager Dave Roberts delivered some grim news regarding the current status of outfielder Mookie Betts.

Betts was scratched from the lineup for the second straight day, and once an MRI was taken it revealed that the All-Star slugger had a cracked rib. According to Roberts he would place Betts on the IR starting Sunday and his timetable to return remained uncertain.

“You’re taking one of the best players in baseball out of the lineup,” Roberts said. “It’s a big blow, but at least we know what we’re dealing with and we’re going to get him back sooner rather than later.”

A huge blow to the team from an offensive and defensive perspective as one of the best players in MLB will be out of commission.

He sustained the injury last Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels as he collided with fellow teammate Cody Bellinger as the two chased down a fly ball. Betts’ injury comes at as time when he was putting together another MVP campaign, hitting .273/.349/.535 for a 148 wRC+.

Mookie’s been one of the hottest hitters in the league with a team-leading 17 home runs, 40 RBI. During the Dodgers’ recent slump, Betts continued to produce, ensuring that contributions remain significant to the club.

With a National League-best 53 runs and six stolen bases on the year, this team with Betts leading the charge, was probably the most feared team in the West and in the National League.

With more games coming up against the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, who are right on the Dodgers heels in the NL West, the schedule won’t get any easier without Betts. An injury of this magnitude is a huge blow and the team must be patient and focus on winning each series that comes their way.

Beyond the baseball diamond, Betts brings an energy to the locker room that the team feeds off of, including his dedication to the craft and undeniable work ethic.

Until he returns, who will step up in his absence, will it be Freddie Freeman, Bellinger, Trea Turner or Gavin Lux?

When Betts returns, hopefully he’ll remain healthy for the postseason push as the Dodgers look to capture another World Series championship as Roberts declared before the 2022 season.