“I'll be watching the boys and cheering them on” - Mookie Betts discusses getting hit by pitch, stays optimistic on possible return

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts left Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals early after he was hit by a pitch. Royals right-handed pitcher Dan Altavilla got the superstar to a 1-2 count before throwing a 97.9 mph four-seam fastball, which struck Betts' left hand.

Betts fell to the ground in pain eventually leaving the game in the seventh inning. It was later revealed that the two-time World Series champion had suffered a fractured hand.

While discussing whether he knew right away that he had broken his hand, Mookie Betts said in a SportsNet LA interview:

“I didn’t know. I mean probably the first time got hit in the hand, so I wasn’t sure. But just went numb, it hurt. So unfortunately it’s broke. But then really what we can do now.”

While this incident was the first time Betts could remember being hit on his hands it wasn't his first experience missing games because of a bone fracture. Back in 2022, he cracked a rib in his right side during a collision with Cody Bellinger in the outfield.

“I'll be watching the boys, cheering them on. But other than that, it’s just kind of rest, maybe use it as a mental break. Be ready to go whenever it heals up,” Mookie Betts said.

Dan Altavilla also expressed concern about Mookie Betts’ injury. Altavilla stated that he had no intention of hitting him, further stating (via MLB.com):

“I was trying to go inside in a 1-2 count and it slipped armside out of my hand. I really hope he's OK."

Mookie Betts discusses Dan Altavilla’s pitch leading to the unfortunate outcome

Before leaving the game, Mookie Betts recorded zero hits on three at-bats as his average dropped to .304. Talking about Dan Altavilla’s pitch, Betts said:

“I mean you just got to stay in there, I mean you can’t be scared. Kind of stay in there especially with the guy with a pretty good slider.” (starting at 0:56)

“So yeah I was just kind of up and in. I was holding my ground and unfortunately hit me in the hand… I’ll go see the doctor tomorrow and then we’ll know more but right now just let it help.”

The Dodgers (44-29) leading the NL West, are set to face the Colorado Rockies in a four-game series starting on Monday.