Betts headed to IL with a cracked rib
An MRI on Mookie Betts revealed a cracked right rib. The right fielder will be placed on the injured list today, and his timetable to return to the Dodgers' lineup is to be determined.
“A week from now, we'll know more and have a better idea,” Manager Dave Roberts said.
Betts was hitting .273 with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 60 games when he collided with Cody Bellinger in the outfield Wednesday against the Angels. Although the collision took place in the first inning, Betts finished out the game.
Over his previous nine games, Betts hit .077 (3 for 39), dropping his batting average from a season-high .311 on June 4.
The Dodgers' level of concern around the injury was initially low. Roberts originally penciled Betts into the leadoff spot in the Dodgers' lineup Friday and again Saturday. Betts was ultimately a late scratch both days.
The manager said Betts was to undergo a scan Friday, then canceled it because he was feeling better. When Betts felt worse Saturday, Roberts said they ordered an MRI.
“It's certainly a big blow to all of us,” Roberts said. “But knowing, at least having the information and knowing what it is, at least there is solace in that and hopefully we'll get him back sooner than later.”
Will Smith was inserted to the lineup at designated hitter Saturday. Chris Taylor moved from left field to right field. Zach McKinstry is expected to arrive from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday in a corresponding roster move.
May's day
Dodgers pitcher Dustin May did something Saturday he could have done anywhere. He could have been wearing a T-shirt and shorts, with no one watching, and still come one step closer to pitching in a real game.
By design, May did it at Dodger Stadium, wearing his full uniform, with teammates and coaches and several members of the team's front office looking on: He threw approximately 40 pitches over two simulated “innings” and emerged with his right elbow intact.
Friday, May is expected to face live hitters for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2021. Until then, Saturday counts as May's most measurable sign of progress since the surgery took place.
May downplayed any surge of adrenaline being back at Dodger Stadium might have provided.
“It's always good to check another box,” he said. “It's exciting just to be here with the guys, be in the atmosphere.”
When the Dodgers begin a nine-game road trip Tuesday, May will return to Arizona to resume his rehab. Roberts said May will throw four outings against live batters every fifth day. If he can stick to that schedule, May can then begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment in mid-July.
Staying at five?
Roberts said he's leaning toward keeping a five-man starting rotation during the Dodgers' coming stretch of 20 games in 20 days beginning Tuesday. That means Mitch White will either remain at Triple-A or join the Dodgers' bullpen if he is summoned to the major leagues. … White had a 3.31 earned-run average in 16 1/3 innings over four starts before he was optioned to Triple-A on June 8. … In Arizona, May will join three rehabbing pitchers — Tommy Kahnle, Victor Gonzalez and Danny Duffy — who are not expected to return before September.