Mookie Betts close to return, could see time at 2B

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers' Mookie Betts close to returning from broken rib, could see time at 2B

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/1/22

All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts, who has been out of action for two weeks with a cracked rib, is close to returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup.

On Friday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said there's a "good possibility" Betts could be activated over the next few days.

#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts felt good after todays workout. They’ll continue having conversations, but there’s a “good possibility” he could be activated over the next few days.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) July 1, 2022

Betts suffered the cracked rib on June 15 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In the first inning, Betts collided with teammate Cody Bellinger while tracking a shallow fly ball against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 15.

The Dodgers placed Betts on the IL four days later, on June 19.

When Betts does return to the Dodgers' lineup, he could play some games at second base.

"[Betts] doesn't really love the DH and he doesn't feel comfortable," Roberts told the Orange County Register's J.P. Hoornstra. "If there's a way we can get him in the lineup — if that's at second base, so be it."

Hoornstra added that Betts has played 20 career games at second base, including five starts at second last season.

The five-time All-Star is batting .273/.349/.535 with 17 home runs and 40 RBI in 60 games this season.

More must-reads: