Dodgers Notes: Reactions to Mookie Betts’ hand injury

The Dodgers were able to pull out a series win against Kansas City Royals last weekend, but in the process lost Mookie Betts to a broken hand.

Betts was taken down by Kansas City’s Dan Altavilla on his hand, with Betts collapsing to the ground in pain and managing to leave the game under his own power. While head coach Dave Roberts confirmed the fracture after the game, he did not provide a timetable for his return.

Let’s take a look at some of the reactions to Betts’ injury.

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register It suggests Betts’ injury will provide more hurdles for a squad that has struggled to score two or more goals in 11 of its last 30 games..

After a hot start to the season, Bates has been declining. Over his last 16 games, he is just 11 for 61 (.180). But it will be hard to swallow losing him to an offense that has been stopped two or fewer times 11 times in the last 30 games.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times Provides Shohei Ohtani’s reaction to Bates’ injury.

“It’s very difficult to see him as a teammate,” Ohtani, speaking through a translator, said of Betts. “He’s obviously a very important part of the team. If he’s out for some time, it’s up to the rest of the team to bring him in.”

As much as injuries to both Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto may jeopardize their chances of dominating the regular season, Andy McCullough of The Athletic It suggests the Dodgers’ priority should be making sure both stars are available and healthy before the postseason arrives..

For a franchise that has reached the postseason in 11 straight seasons but has captured just one championship, all that matters is October…it’s all about October. The Dodgers will be there again this year. Based on preliminary medical reports, so do Bates and Yamamoto.

Sarah Wexler MLB.com He notes which players will handle shortstop responsibilities during Betts’ absence.

The Dodgers will now be without both parts of their left side of the infield, as third baseman Max Muncy remains out indefinitely with a right oblique strain. Miguel Rojas, who ran for Betts and took over for him in the outfield for the game’s remaining two innings, will get the bulk of the shortstop duties for the time being, with Kiki Hernandez filling in at times. The Dodgers plan to call up Miguel Vargas from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill Betts’ spot on the roster.