Dodgers put Betts on IL with broken left hand

DENVER — Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts went on the injured list Monday with a broken left hand.

The 31-year-old shortstop was hit by a 97.9 mph fastball from reliever Dan Altavilla in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday he didn’t know how much time Betts would miss but said the injury would not require surgery.

The former AL MVP and seven-time All-Star is hitting .304 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs in 72 games.

This will be Betts’ first stint on the injured list in two years. He missed nearly three weeks in June 2022 with a cracked right rib.

Miguel Rojas will take over as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop, with Kiké Hernández also getting time at the position. Shohei Ohtani is replacing Betts in the leadoff spot in Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies.

The Dodgers recalled outfielder Miguel Vargas for his second stint this season. He hit .250 with three doubles, one homer and four RBIs in eight games. Vargas was batting .290 with eight homers and 38 RBIs in 41 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.