Five-time All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts has been out of action for the Los Angeles Dodgers since suffering a cracked rib on June 15, but his return is imminent, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Roberts told reporters on Saturday that Betts could return as soon as Sunday and will likely play second base in his first games back before eventually transitioning to right field. Betts told reporters the same thing Saturday, telling them that playing in the outfield would be difficult as throwing long distances is still uncomfortable.
Betts, 29, was batting .273 prior to the injury with 17 home runs and 40 RBIs in 60 games. The injury happened when he collided with teammate Cody Bellinger in the outfield.
The Dodgers acquired Betts in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox in February 2020. The 2018 AL MVP finished second in NL MVP voting in his first season with the Dodgers.
Betts was on a cold streak in the weeks prior to his injury with a .077 batting average in the last nine …
