Mookie Betts has been more than a vital part of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup in 2022. He’s emerged as one of the best players in the sport, has become a favorite to win the National League MVP and has helped the Dodgers take a 13-game lead in the NL West entering Friday.
But as the Dodgers move through the remainder of their jugular season schedule and look to get ready for the playoffs, they could be without Betts for a while.
Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reported late Thursday night that Betts left the game early after fouling a ball off his foot. While X-rays were negative, Betts was spotted on crutches leaving Loan Depot Park in Miami.
Can confirm Mookie Betts left the stadium tonight on crutches, as @IsaacAzout reported
Betts left the game in the eighth inning after fouling a ball off his foot earlier in the game
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 8, 2023
The news of Betts’ potential injury was met with a lot of angst.
I already chopped off my foot @mookiebetts lmk what's the best way to get it to you https://t.co/NMZiJ22MbC
— Dr. Daniel fromSport, Esq. (@DanielfromSport) September 8, 2023
Uhhh not great https://t.co/fnwb7TksaS
— Chelsa Messinger (@ChelsaMessinger) September 8, 2023
Well that doesn’t sound good https://t.co/ogpyZegowH
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) September 8, 2023
it’s officially over https://t.co/IjMTmP1fP9
— kimberly 🤍 (@kimballzzzzz) September 8, 2023
The All-Star outfielder has had a huge year for Los Angeles in 2023. In 610 plate appearances (516 at-bats), Betts is slashing .314/.411/.609 with an OPS of 1.020 and an OPS+ of 172. Betts has 38 home runs and has driven in 114 runs on the season. He also has an 8.0 WAR, which is second in the majors to only Shohei Ohtani
While the initial X-rays were negative, it’s unclear how long Betts will be sidelined.
Teams are obviously going to be cautious with players heading into the playoffs, especially when those players have secured roster spots. If that’s all that this injury ends up being, it’ll be nothing more than a speedbump, and a fairly minor one, at that. If, however, this is something that lingers and Betts ends up having to miss significant time or his performance suffers, it’s a major blow to the Dodgers’ chances.
