LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees are in high spirits as they reunite in a much-anticipated World Series atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. However, one of the game’s leading stars, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, will be sidelined due to an unfortunate injury.
Betts, an eight-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and two-time MVP, sustained a broken fourth toe on his left foot after stubbing it on furniture at home in Los Angeles. As a result, he will miss the weekend series against the Yankees but the Dodgers remain hopeful that he can return for next week’s series against the Cleveland Guardians and the Boston Red Sox, Betts’ former team.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that the injury is manageable and doesn’t anticipate a stint on the injured list, emphasizing that Betts’ participation would depend on his comfort level. Until then, Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim will cover shortstop duties in Betts’ absence.
While Betts has had a slow start in the 2025 season, averaging .254 with an OPS of .743 and hitting eight home runs, his defensive prowess has continued to impress the team, and he is expected to maintain his role at shortstop throughout the season.
On the pitching side, excitement surrounds Shohei Ohtani’s progress as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He recently pitched to minor-league hitters without any setbacks and is on track to return to the mound by late July or early August. Roberts commended Ohtani for handling the dual demands of being both a pitcher and designated hitter, noting his impressive performance at the plate this season with a leading 22 home runs.
The Dodgers are navigating through a challenging injury phase with 14 pitchers currently on the injured list, but with Ohtani’s recovery and the hopeful return of Betts, there is reason to maintain optimism as the team looks to continue their success this season.