Dodgers: Mookie Betts Returns to the Lineup Tonight Against the Padres

The Dodgers have not exactly been a picture of perfect health in 2021. Los Angeles has watched a few of their star players go down early on, including Cody Bellinger who remains on the injured list with a small fracture. 

So when Mookie Betts got hit on the forearm with a 95 mph fastball against the Mariners this week, Dodgers fans had to hold their breath. Betts collapsed in the batter’s box momentarily before jogging down to first base to stay in the game. 

After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he would undergo testing the following day. Betts was out of the lineup on Tuesday, but Doc also confirmed that x-rays on his arm came up negative. 

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Betts is back in the Dodgers lineup on Thursday playing in right field. It’s great news for Los Angeles as they get one of their best players back for a 4-game series against the Padres this week. Having to play the series without Betts would certainly create an uphill battle. 

Betts also not missing more than 1 game is a great sign for his overall health. The Dodgers wouldn’t put a player at risk of worsening and injury if they thought he was at risk, especially not in April.

Chris Taylor will be out in center field and AJ Pollock will be in left to take on the Padres’ Ryan Weathers. 

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