Dodgers’ Betts Suffers Fractured Hand After HBP

Los Angeles Dodgers’ star shortstop Mookie Betts sustained a fractured bone in his left hand after being hit by a pitch during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, manager Dave Roberts confirmed.

“It’s a big blow,” Roberts stated postgame. “I feel really bad for Mookie. He was obviously having an MVP-type season. It’s very unfortunate. You gotta move on, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Roberts elaborated: “It was a fracture. I don’t have a timeline. It was the left hand. I think it was the metacarpal. It’s going to be time. It’s broke. I just don’t know what that means (for a timeline). No surgery. It’s just going to be rest and let the bones heal.”

The injury occurred in the seventh inning when Betts was struck by a 98-mph fastball from Royals reliever Dan Altavilla.

“I’m not sure. I’m honestly not sure,” Betts responded when asked about his next steps, according to Dodger Insider. “Obviously, I’ll be watching the boys and cheering them on. Other than that, just kind of rest, maybe use it as a mental break, and be ready to go whenever it heals up.”

Royals manager Matt Quatraro addressed the incident, confirming that Altavilla hit Betts unintentionally.

“Clearly no intent. … It’s very unfortunate. I feel terribly. No one wants to see that, especially to a guy like Mookie, who we all revere for his professionalism and what he means to the game,” Quatraro said, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com.

Following Betts’ departure, Miguel Rojas took over as a pinch runner and later filled in defensively at shortstop. Roberts indicated that Rojas would handle most of the playing time at shortstop during Betts’ absence, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Betts, who finished as the runner-up for the 2023 NL MVP, has been having an impressive season. He is currently slashing .304/.405/.488 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, and nine stolen bases over 72 games, contributing significantly to the NL West-leading Dodgers.