Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Undergoes Treatment Following Outfield Collision
On Tuesday night the Dodgers secured win number 4 this season and technically their first winning streak of the season (at 2 games). While the game was mostly great moments for LA — Will Smith hitting a home run for the third straight game and taking over the MLB lead in RBI, Max Muncy hitting his first homer of the season, Jason Heyward hitting his second bomb in as many games — but there was one scary moment involving Mookie Betts in the seventh inning.
Betts, starting at second base for the second time this season, ran out to short right field to catch a humpback flyball. As Betts was running out, Heyward in right was running in. As Mookie caught the ball, he ran into a sliding Heyward, flipping over him and landing face down on the turf.
He stayed on the ground for a minute before getting up and hobbling off the field, thankfully while smiling.
“I’m sure watching it probably looked more scary than actually being in it,” Betts said on SportsNet LA. “I kind of laid on the ground, and after I gave it a second, I realized it wasn’t that bad.”
Dave Roberts and Mookie had differing updates on the apparent injury.
Roberts mentioned the knee as the area of concern and that the outfielder/infielder was getting some treatment after the game. Betts clarified that it was more of a twisted ankle.
“I’m fine, you know, just a little twisted ankle, so it’s good. I really don’t know what happened. I was going to catch it, I turned around, he was sliding, and by that time it was too late. But I mean, he did what you’re supposed to do. Outfielders are supposed to get down.”
Mookie added that he’s fine and it doesn’t seem like it’ll be a concern moving forward. His eighth inning leadoff double should be enough of an indicator of that. If you need more reassurance, he also scored from second on a Will Smith double.
Wednesday being an off day helps that much more for the Dodger leadoff batter.
The Dodgers get back to work on Thursday against the Diamondbacks in Arizona. Dustin May toes the rubber for LA against Merrill Kelly.
More Mookie
Before Tuesday night’s game, Betts was presented with his Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards from the 2022 season.
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I coach a “3rd party call” which would eliminate any collisions like this. I would have Freddie make the call for Mookie early and loudly to give Heyward notice to stay out of Mookie’s way! It’s dangerous to let those chasing the ball to call it, since they both will usually call for it, and at least both go for it — and get in each other’s way, or worse.