Mookie Betts, the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, suffered a fractured hand during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals. However, the injury is not expected to require surgery and will not end his season, according to manager Dave Roberts. The incident occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning when Betts was at bat with a 1-2 count. Royals pitcher Dan Altavilla threw a 98 mph pitch that struck Betts’ left hand as he attempted to avoid it.
The impact of the pitch was immediate, as Betts fell to the ground in agony. Video footage captured Betts rolling around in pain while Roberts and a member of the medical staff rushed to his aid. The pain kept Betts on the ground for several minutes before he managed to get up and walk to the dugout. The Dodger Stadium crowd showed their support for Betts with a loud ovation as he made his way off the field.
Prior to the injury, Betts had not been having a particularly productive game at the plate, going 0-for-3. Earlier this month, he had broken out of a slump that had dropped his batting average to .236. Despite this, Betts remains one of the top players in Major League Baseball with a batting average of .307, placing him fifth-best in the league. He has also hit 10 home runs for the star-studded Dodgers lineup.
In Sunday’s game against the Royals, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a score of 3-0, thanks in part to two home runs by Shohei Ohtani and a solo home run by Freddie Freeman. Betts’ absence from the lineup will undoubtedly be felt, but the Dodgers have a strong team capable of continuing their success. With Betts expected to make a full recovery, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their star outfielder will be back on the field soon.
