The Dodgers outfielder said the cortisone injection he received last week to relieve the pain caused by a bone spur in his right hip worked so well that he is « absolutely » optimistic he’ll be for can return for the rest of the season and play painlessly.
« This is the first time I’ve felt normal in a long time, » he said after training on Thursday afternoon.
« I feel normal now. I feel like the beginning of spring training now. There’s no pain at all or anything. Hopefully I can stay on this path and I’ll be fine. «
Betts was injured twice in the past month, each time receiving cortisone injections. Last week’s injection « seemed better this time » and turned the clock back on Betts, who admitted he had been struggling with pain all season.
« It’s been like this since the first week of the season, » he said on Thursday. “That’s why I say it’s been so long since I’ve felt normal. It’s just good to feel like me again. »
Betts has been increasing his activity level over the past two days by doing agility exercises, running sprints and playing catch on Thursday in the outfield. It’s a workout that Betts said he couldn’t have made it through 10 days ago.
« No chance, » he said. “The pain that was going on at the time – I couldn’t really take it. That locked me up pretty well. With the little pain that comes and goes now, I can work with it. »
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that injury rehabilitation is being discussed in the minor league to test how Betts’ hip will react under the pressure of the game.
Roberts retired on a little Thursday, saying a simulated game on Sunday is likely the first step. Whether he’s playing on a rehab assignment or not, Roberts said he could see Betts get activated by the IL « sometime next week ».
« The bottom line is, Mookie will drive it, » said Roberts. « Whatever he thinks is best to prepare him to take action, we’ll work with it. »
Betts said he would like play actions – be it simulated or on a rehab assignment – before returning to the Dodgers lineup.
« Yeah, at least I want to get hot, cool down, then get hot again and walk around again, whatever. Just to be sure, ”he said. “Just because I don’t want to put anyone in a difficult position. I don’t know that I want to get out of there and that I have to get out of the game. I would like to do that someday, but we’ll see how it works. »
Betts said he hadn’t discussed an action plan with doctors to address the bone spur during the off-season. Surgery would likely be an option.
« I hope we can just get through the season and let it heal and not have to worry anymore, » he said.
“We have to get there first. … I think it’s natural to have this conversation (about operations). But that doesn’t mean anything will come of it. Hopefully we can just rest and let it heal on its own. »
Right-handed Mitch White was rewarded with a downgrade to Triple-A on Thursday for his 7-1 / 3 scoreless innings on Wednesday night. The Dodgers activated left-handed Victor Gonzalez from the casualty list and chose White (who would have been unavailable for at least a few days).
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However, white could have taken a regular move in the rotation – even if there are gradations in between. During his last 17 innings (spread over four games, including two starts), White Batter has held to an average of 0.153 while hitting 16 and raising to a 2.12 ERA.
While Julio Urias is expected to rejoin the Dodgers rotation on Tuesday in San Diego, the Dodgers will only have four starting mugs – Walker Buehler, Max Scherzer, David Price and Urias.
« I’m not sure, » said Roberts of White’s future role. “I’ll say that Mitch went out of his way to bring a case to show that it was worth considering. Given the days off and the way we manage our bullpen, there is still some gymnastics that will be done.
« All I can say is that Mitch put in a really good performance and we think a lot of him. »
Mets (RHP Carlos Carrasco, 0-1, 10.32 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Walker Buehler, 12-2, 2.09 ERA) Friday, 7:10 pm, SportsNet LA, MLB Network, 570 AM
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