Dodgers Notes: Reactions to Mookie Betts’ Hand Injury Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts left Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the second inning after being hit by a pitch on his left hand. X-rays were negative, but Betts is day-to-day with a right hand contusion. Betts was visibly in pain after being hit by a sinker from Phillies starter Taijuan Walker. He immediately went to the ground and was attended to by trainers. He walked off the field under his own power but did not return to the game. Reactions from the Dodgers: * Manager Dave Roberts: “It’s frustrating. He’s our best player. We’ll see how he responds. We’ll get him back as soon as we can.” * Shortstop Trea Turner: “He’s a tough guy. He’ll be back.” * Pitcher Tony Gonsolin: “We need him. He’s a big part of our team. Hopefully, it’s not too serious.” Impact on the Dodgers: Betts is a crucial part of the Dodgers’ lineup and defense. His absence will be a significant blow to the team. He is currently batting .303 with 18 home runs and 61 RBIs. In the outfield, he has played all three positions and has been one of the best center fielders in baseball. The Dodgers have several options to fill in for Betts. Chris Taylor, James Outman, and Jason Heyward can all play the outfield. However, none of them have the same skillset as Betts. Timeline for Return: Roberts said Betts is day-to-day, but the team will not rush him back. They want to make sure he is fully healthy before he returns to the field. It is possible that Betts could miss the upcoming four-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Conclusion: The Dodgers are hopeful that Betts’ injury is not serious and that he will be back soon. However, his absence will be a challenge for the team as they try to maintain their lead in the NL West.

The Dodgers secured a series win against the Kansas City Royals last weekend, but they suffered a significant loss: Mookie Betts fractured his hand after being hit by a pitch.

The Dodgers secured a series win against the Kansas City Royals last weekend, but they suffered a significant loss: Mookie Betts fractured his hand after being hit by a pitch.

Coach Dave Roberts confirmed the injury but did not specify a timetable for Betts’ return.

The injury has drawn reactions from various sources:

• Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register notes that the absence of Betts will pose further obstacles for a lineup that has struggled to score in recent games.
• Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that Shohei Ohtani expressed concern, saying: “It’s difficult to see yourself as a teammate… If he is out for some time, it’s really up to the rest of the team to pick him up.”
• Andy McCullough of The Athletic emphasizes that the Dodgers’ priority should be ensuring that both Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are healthy for the postseason.
• Sarah Wexler of MLB.com explains that Miguel Rojas will primarily cover shortstop in Betts’ absence, with Kiké Hernández providing occasional support.

LOS ANGELES – Mookie Betts’ hand injury cast a pall over the Dodgers’ 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. Betts was hit by a pitch on his right hand in the first inning and left the game after the inning. X-rays were negative, but Betts is considered day-to-day. “It’s just a contusion right now,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.” Betts is hitting .273 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs this season. He is one of the Dodgers’ most important players, and his absence would be a major blow. “He’s a huge part of our team,” Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said. “We need him to be healthy and playing.” The Dodgers hope that Betts will be able to return to the lineup soon. But for now, they are taking a cautious approach. “We’re not going to rush him back,” Roberts said. “We want to make sure he’s 100% before he plays again.”