LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Bates is on the injured list, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday night.
Roberts pulled Bates out of the lineup for the second game in a row on Saturday, but previously said he did not expect the injury to be serious and the star centerfielder was in line for an MRI.
After Los Angeles’ 7-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians, however, Roberts said the MRI showed a broken arm and a return date needed to be fixed. The official team transaction will take place on Sunday.
Roberts is not yet sure if the injury is a hairline fracture or a major break, but the damage will be significant. Bates has been batting.273 this season, with 17 home runs, 40 RBIs and six stolen bases for the team battling for first place in the National League West with the San Diego Padres.
“You’re pulling one of the best baseball players out of the lineup,” Roberts said. “It’s a big shock, but at least we know what we’re doing and we’ll get back to that as soon as possible.”
In addition to the Bates, Freddie Freeman’s three hits, Tree Turner Homeriden, and four Los Angeles pitchers limited Cleveland to two hits in a six-run victory over the Guardians.
Julio Urias (4-6) took six strong innings to secure his first victory since May 20. The left-hander took a 0-3 lead in his last four games with a 3.09 ERA, an unbeaten run on two hits with six. Strikeout and two walks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
