Dodgers Ravaged By Injuries on Father’s Day Weekend, Lose Yamamoto and Betts
Los Angeles, CA (PSF) — The Dodgers have lost two of the biggest acquisitions in franchise history in just two games.
On Saturday, it was $325 million star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yamamoto, 25, exited the eventual 7-2 loss with what was initially described as “triceps tightness”. Following the game, the injury was diagnosed as a strained rotator cuff, and Yamamoto was consequently placed on the 15-day injured list.
Manager Dave Roberts described the injury as “not season-ending” when responding to questions about the injury.
The former Orix Buffaloes star has had a strong season, posting a 6-2 record and a 2.92 ERA. In 74 innings, he has struck out 84 batters and posted a fantastic 5.6 walk percentage. His quick delivery, deception, and above-average movement on his pitchers have translated to a chase rate in the 75th percentile at 31 percent.
Yamamoto recently had the best start of his young MLB career in the spotlight of New York, twirling 7 shutout innings against the powerhouse New York Yankees.
On Sunday, Mookie Betts suffered a fractured left hand. It happened as a result of a 98mph fastball from Royals reliever Dan Altavilla.
Losing Yamamoto was difficult itself, but losing Mookie Betts is incredibly brutal for the Dodgers in multiple ways.
Not only has Betts been one of the Dodgers’ best, and steadiest offensive presences with a .304/.405/.488 slash line and 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, 9 steals, and 13 more walks than strikeouts, but he has been a steady presence at the shortstop position.
Shortstop has been a revolving door for the Dodgers following the departure of superstar Corey Seager. Betts’ serviceable defense at the position and overall positional flexibility has allowed Dave Roberts to put the best possible lineups out.
Without Betts leading off and covering the 4-5 hole, it will create less run-producing opportunities for Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, increasing the Dodgers’ dependency on that duo.
Miguel Rojas, Gavin Lux, and Chris Taylor will likely create a committee that will fill in for Betts during his missed time. While some (Rojas) provide more defensive upside and less offensive upside, others offer the opposite (Lux), and with Taylor struggling immensely this season, expect the Dodgers to possibly seek an alternative solution outside the organization.
