The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping to get star outfielder Mookie Betts back from the IL before long. Manager Dave Roberts revealed on Wednesday that the team is hoping to have Betts back in action before the All-Star Break, which begins Tuesday, July 19.
While Roberts didn't reveal a specific date for the 29-year-old to be activated, he did indicate that Betts would be utilized as the Dodgers' designated hitter when he comes back from his injury, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Dave Roberts said he’s confident Mookie Betts will be back before the All-Star break. But when he comes back, it’ll be primarily as a DH to start, Roberts said.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) June 29, 2022
Roberts indicated that Betts will primarily be the Dodgers' DH when he returns from the Injured List. While he'll eventually reclaim his role in the outfield, the Dodgers want to reduce the risk of re-injury while simultaneously getting him back in the lineup as quickly as possible.
Of course, that won't be the case for the long haul, as Betts is an elite outfielder whom the Dodgers rely upon to make big plays on defense. He'll more than likely return to his usual spot in right field at some point after the All-Star break.
Betts has been sidelined since June 20 after he sustained a right rib fracture. While the latest update on his injury didn't indicate much signs of progress, Roberts seems confident the five-time All-Star can get back to action, or at the very least back in the batter's box, before the break.
With MLB's 2022 All-Star festivities set to be held in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium, the team will begin its All-Star break on July 16. The Dodgers wrap up a road-trip on Wednesday night with a clash against the Rockies. It's unclear what date they're targeting for Betts to return, but it would make sense for him to be activated at some point during their upcoming 11-game homestand.
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