The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Mookie Betts since June 17, when he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left hand fracture.
The eight-time All-Star sustained the injury when he was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Dan Altavilla.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts estimated at the time that Betts would miss a minimum of six weeks. That projection had the 2018 American League MVP potentially returning at the end of July or early August.
While he remains sidelined into the final week of July, Betts has continued to make progress and now can begin hitting soft toss and off a tee, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Betts has been cleared to start hitting soft toss and off a tee.
“He’s swinging again. He’s taking ground balls, he’s running,” Roberts said. “So hopefully we’ll see him in a couple weeks.”
Given the tricky nature of hand injuries, the Dodgers have understandably been cautious with Betts. While the 31-year-old would like nothing more than to return to the field, the team wants to make sure he is completely healthy for the stretch run.
Fortunately for Betts, he has been able to do most baseball activities like running and throwing throughout the entire process without much hassle.
Betts cleared an important hurdle last week as he swung the bat for the first time since his injury on June 16. Betts also fielded backhanded ground balls with the injured left hand.
“Mookie looks great,” Roberts recently said. “Saw him taking more grounders today and running around. He took some swings today, felt good swinging the bat. It showed enough grip strength to take some swings. He did say it was weak, which is to be expected.
“I don’t know if it’s an everyday situation as far as taking swings, but today was the first step.”
Mookie Betts’ 2024 season
Before his injury, Betts established himself as an early National League MVP candidate. Through 72 games, he is hitting an excellent .304/.405/.488 with 16 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 331 plate appearances.
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