LOS ANGELES — Dodgers all-star Mookie Betts, who suffered a fractured left hand last month, is close to return to the lineup, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday.
Betts took a significant step forward in his recovery by swinging a bat for the first time since his injury. In the past week, he has been gradually increasing his activity levels, including fielding ground balls.
He was fielding back-handed ground balls at short despite his broken left hand, just before the series opener against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.
UPDATE: Mookie Betts began swinging the bat today and also was taking grounders with his broken left hand. He's on track to return soon. @SportingTrib #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/9w7vTFpsEU
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) July 22, 2024
"He felt good swinging the bat," Roberts said. "His hand showed enough good strength to take some swings.
"He did say it was weak, which should be expected."
Roberts said that Betts was anticipated to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Monday marked a positive turn for Betts, as he has completed the grip-strength assessment for his left hand.
The next phase involves monitoring how his hand feels in the coming days. It is expected that Betts will return to the lineup by mid-August.
Before his injury, the 31-year-old was hitting .304 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 74 games.