Cracked rib lands Dodgers’ Betts on injured list

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was placed on the injured list Sunday with a cracked rib.

Roberts pulled Betts out of Saturday’s second consecutive game. However, he stated that he didn’t expect the injury would be serious and that Betts was available for an MRI.

After Los Angeles’ 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, however, Roberts said that the MRI revealed a cracked rib and that a return date was to be determined.

Roberts isn’t sure if the injury is a hairline or a more serious one, but it will be significant. Betts is currently batting. 273 this season with 17 home runs, 40 RBIs and 6 stolen bases for a team that is battling for first place in the National League West with the San Diego Padres. Roberts stated that you are taking one of the most talented players in baseball out the lineup. It’s a huge blow, but we know what to do and we’ll get him back sooner than expected. “

Betts was injured during the first inning of Wednesday night’s game against the Los Angeles Angels when he collided with Cody Bellinger in the outfield on a fly ball. Betts continued to play the remainder of that game. Roberts said, “We’ll know more in a week.”

In other moves Sunday, the Dodgers activated left-hander Andrew Heaney, who will start the series finale against the Guardians, recalled outfielder Zach McKinstry from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned right-hander Reyes Moronta back to Triple-A.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.