All Star, All World Mookie Betts is the latest Los Angeles Dodgers player lost to a serious injury.
Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers leadoff hitter, and one of three All Stars at the top of the lineup, was hit by a pitch on his left hand in a June 16 game against the Kansas City Royals.
Royals reliever Dan Altavilla hit Betts in the hand with a blazing 97.9 miles per hour fastball.
Betts crumbled to the ground, and was seen writhing in pain before he left the game.
Betts has a fractured left hand. He does not need surgery, but he will be out for some time.
After he finishes rehabilitation, he will have to regain the strength in his hand, as well as regain his hitting mechanics.
Betts is one of the greatest players in the game.
Playing without Betts will really test an already challenged Dodgers roster.Dodgers Now Face Serious Challenges:
How will the Dodgers fare without Mookie Betts?
Based upon their outstanding offseason acquisitions, many major league baseball analysts handed the 2024 World Series Championship to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The popular conclusion of the Dodgers potential was based upon the team signing designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, pitchers Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. All three are highly capable, All Star quality players.
Ohtani, 29, signed a 10-year, $700 million contract.
Ohtani has chosen to defer salary, electing to receive $2 million for each of the next 10 seasons. He will then receive $68 million for each of the 10 seasons from 2034-2043.
