Mookie Betts Fractures Hand, But Avoids Surgery After Getting Hit With 98-MPH Fastball

Every Los Angeles Dodgers fan can breathe a huge sigh of relief after hearing an injury update on Mookie Betts.

Make no mistake, hearing that perhaps the best player on Los Angeles’ roster is injured in the first place isn’t ideal to begin with. Betts is having another solid year, posting a .307 batting average to go with 10 home runs and 40 RBI. Oh, he’s also playing shortstop, which is a new position for him to learn. And he’s doing just fine.

But earlier today, his season hung in the balance in an afternoon match-up with the Kansas City Royals. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Dan Altavilla hit Betts in the hand with a 98-mph missile. The Dodgers right fielder immediately fell to the ground, hunched over in pain.

Your first thought after something like that is, "He had to at least fractured his hand." That part is correct, he did fracture his hand and will miss some time as a result.

But fortunately, he avoided the absolute worst-case scenario. While he won’t be coming back soon, Betts will be able to return to action at some point in the 2024 season.

Furthermore, he seemed to be in fairly good spirits after the game. While speaking with reporters, he mentioned that he’ll still be engaged with his teammates and do his best to be supportive while he heals.

Betts will miss some time after fracturing his hand. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"I'll be watching the boys and cheering them on. Other than that, just kind of rest, maybe use it as a mental break and be ready to go whenever it heals up," Betts said.

Despite losing a star for the foreseeable future, they still beat Kansas City 3-0, and sit comfortably in first place in the NL West.