Dodgers‘ Dave Roberts Offers Specific Timeline for Mookie Betts‘ Return

Lastly, Mookie Betts can see the sunshine on the finish of an extended tunnel.

Supervisor Dave Roberts advised reporters Saturday in Oakland that he’s “hopeful” Betts will rejoin the Dodgers round Aug. 12-13, in keeping with Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Instances:

That aligns with the Dodgers’ subsequent street journey, which begins in Milwaukee. After taking part in the Oakland A’s Saturday and Sunday, the Dodgers return house to host the Philadelphia Phillies for 3 video games beginning Monday.

The Dodgers are already hoping to welcome again certainly one of their three former MVPs to the lineup in the course of the homestand.

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On June 16, Betts suffered a fracture in his left hand when a 98-mph fastball from Kansas Metropolis Royals pitcher Dan Altavilla rode in on him.

Betts started swinging a bat earlier this week, permitting the Dodgers to extra intently estimate his progress to taking full swings in opposition to main league pitchers.

Can Betts regain his pre-injury type upon his return? He’s set the bar extraordinarily excessive.

In 72 video games this season, Betts had a .304 batting common, .405 on-base proportion and .488 slugging proportion. He stole 9 bases in 10 makes an attempt, placing him within the early dialog for an additional MVP award. Betts received the award within the American League with the Boston Pink Sox in 2018. He was the runner-up to Ronald Acuña Jr. for the Nationwide League award final yr.

Though Betts is most precious together with his bat, the query of the place he’ll play within the area upon his return provides one other layer of intrigue to the Dodgers’ plans.

The Dodgers acquired Tommy Edman, who play everywhere in the infield and outfield, forward of Tuesday’s commerce deadline in a three-team swap with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.

Edman will probably fill in at third base and shortstop whereas Betts, Max Muncy, and Miguel Rojas stay out. Moreover, Edman can play middle area — a place the Dodgers boosted with the acquisition of Kevin Kiermaier.

The Dodgers even have Amed Rosario and Nick Ahmed on their energetic roster after their latest acquisitions. Together with Gavin Lux, that’s a glut of infielders to select from — leaving the outfield extra open for taking part in time.

Even when Betts strikes again to proper area, the place he’s received a number of Gold Glove awards in his profession, he’s unlikely to complain.

“At this level, I really feel like I can do just about something on the market,” he advised reporters just lately, “particularly if I can get some work at it. No matter it takes to have one of the best crew on the market.”Picture Credit score: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports activities