The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2025 season, expected to be a dominant defense of their World Series title, has instead been plagued by injuries, particularly within the pitching staff. With 14 players currently on the injured list-including 11 on the 60-day IL-the team has faced significant setbacks. Most recently, star closer Evan Phillips was ruled out for the season after requiring Tommy John surgery. Now, the injury troubles have spread to position players, as shortstop Mookie Betts is expected to miss several games due to a fractured toe.
Betts’ injury came in a highly unusual fashion. According to reports, the six-time All-Star suffered the fracture after stubbing his toe while walking to the bathroom in the dark. While not expected to require a trip to the disabled list, Betts will sit out the remainder of the Dodgers’ current series against the New York Yankees before the team reassesses his condition. His absence adds to an already long list of key players missing time, further complicating the Dodgers’ quest to remain competitive.
This season, Betts has served exclusively as the Dodgers’ shortstop after bouncing between multiple positions throughout his career. However, his offensive performance has been below his usual standards. Through 53 games, he has hit .254 with a .338 on-base percentage and a .405 slugging percentage-numbers that all mark career lows. The struggles may be linked to a mystery illness he suffered in spring training, which reportedly caused him to lose 25 pounds. While Betts showed signs of improvement in May, this latest injury is another obstacle in his road back to full strength.
Dave Roberts told reporters that Mookie Betts stubbed his toe at home on Wednesday night and will be getting x-rays after he was in too much discomfort to play tonight pic.twitter.com/MOYFXlLnWg
? FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 30, 2025
Depth to try and help the team
With Betts sidelined, the Dodgers will rely on veteran utility player Miguel Rojas to fill the void at shortstop. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, who has yet to pitch this season, remains another major absence for the team. The Dodgers’ pitching staff has already been decimated, forcing manager Dave Roberts to constantly adjust his lineup and rotation. Despite these setbacks, the team continues to battle through adversity, recently securing a dramatic win over the Yankees powered by two Ohtani home runs.
While Betts’ injury is not as severe as many of the Dodgers’ other ailments, his absence comes at an inconvenient time. His batting was beginning to show signs of progress, and missing games-even briefly-could disrupt his rhythm. The Dodgers must now hope that Betts recovers quickly, as his ability to stabilize the infield and contribute offensively is crucial to their long-term success.
As the Dodgers continue their three-game series against the Yankees, the team’s resilience will be tested once again. Injuries have defined the 2025 campaign, but despite the setbacks, Los Angeles remains determined to push forward in pursuit of another deep postseason run. Betts’ toe fracture is just another chapter in a season filled with adversity, and the Dodgers must find a way to overcome yet another hurdle.
“It’s just worth remembering just how difficult it is what he is trying to do.”@Ken_Rosenthal talks about Shohei Ohtani ramping back up to return to the mound, and has an update on Mookie Betts being out with a fractured toe pic.twitter.com/0PxcPlTUJc
? FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 31, 2025
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