DENVER — As expected, Dodgers star Mookie Betts was officially placed on the injured list on Monday with a broken left hand.
The 31-year-old shortstop was hit by a 97.9 mph fastball from reliever Dan Altavilla in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that he didn’t know how much time the seven-time All-Star would miss but said the injury would not require surgery.
The 2018 American League MVP is hitting .304 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 72 games.
This will be Betts’ first stint on the injured list in two years. He missed nearly three weeks in June 2022 with a cracked right rib.
Miguel Rojas will take over as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop, with Kiké Hernandez also seeing time at the position. Shohei Ohtani was moved to the top of the lineup to replace Betts in the leadoff spot in Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers recalled outfielder Miguel Vargas for his second stint this season. He hit .250 with three doubles, one home run and four RBIs in eight games. Vargas was batting .290 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 41 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
More to come on this story.