Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Offers Specific Timeline for Mookie Betts’ Return

Finally, Mookie Betts can see the light at the end of a long tunnel.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Saturday in Oakland that he’s “hopeful” Betts will rejoin the Dodgers around Aug. 12-13, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times:

That aligns with the Dodgers’ next road trip, which begins in Milwaukee. After playing the Oakland A’s Saturday and Sunday, the Dodgers return home to host the Philadelphia Phillies for three games starting Monday.

The Dodgers are already hoping to welcome back one of their three former MVPs to the lineup during the homestand.

On June 16, Betts suffered a fracture in his left hand when a 98-mph fastball from Kansas City Royals pitcher Dan Altavilla rode in on him.

Betts began swinging a bat earlier this week, allowing the Dodgers to more closely estimate his progress to taking full swings against major league pitchers.

Can Betts regain his pre-injury form upon his return? He’s set the bar extremely high.

In 72 games this season, Betts had a .304 batting average, .405 on-base percentage and .488 slugging percentage. He stole nine bases in 10 attempts, putting him in the early conversation for another MVP award. Betts won the award in the American League with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He was the runner-up to Ronald Acuña Jr. for the National League award last year.

Although Betts is most valuable with his bat, the question of where he’ll play in the field upon his return adds another layer of intrigue to the Dodgers’ plans.

The Dodgers acquired Tommy Edman, who play all over the infield and outfield, ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline in a three-team swap with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.

Edman will likely fill in at third base and shortstop while Betts, Max Muncy, and Miguel Rojas remain out. Additionally, Edman can play center field — a position the Dodgers boosted with the acquisition of Kevin Kiermaier.

The Dodgers also have Amed Rosario and Nick Ahmed on their active roster after their recent acquisitions. Along with Gavin Lux, that’s a glut of infielders to choose from — leaving the outfield more open for playing time.

Even if Betts moves back to right field, where he’s won multiple Gold Glove awards in his career, he’s unlikely to complain.

“At this point, I feel like I can do pretty much anything out there,” he told reporters recently, “especially if I can get some work at it. Whatever it takes to have the best team out there.”