**Dodgers' Star Mookie Betts Benched with Toe Fracture**

In a development that has Dodger fans concerned, Mookie Betts missed the Dodgers' 8-5 victory over the Yankees on Friday due to a fractured tip on his second left toe. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Betts will not be starting for the rest of the series. However, there is a possibility that Betts might make a pinch-hit appearance. The hope is for him to return to the lineup after a few days of rest.

Betts sustained the injury off the field Wednesday night after returning home from a road trip. Recounting the incident, Betts explained that he hurt his toe by accidentally hitting it against a wall while going to the bathroom in the dark. Despite the fracture, he indicated that it mostly involves pain management and swelling control, thereby not necessitating a trip to the injured list.

Thursday's off-day provided Betts some initial recovery time, but the Dodgers have a grueling schedule ahead, with only one off-day until June 12. This tight schedule of 23 games in 24 days is far from ideal for recovery, increases the challenges for Betts' timely return.

The Dodgers do possess substantial shortstop depth with players like Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, Tommy Edman, and Enrique Hernandez available to step in if Betts' return is delayed. Despite those options, the team anxiously anticipates the return of their eight-time All-Star.

The 2023 season has been particularly tough for Betts. He lost more than 15 pounds due to a severe flu-like illness in March, which caused him to miss the season-opening Tokyo Series against the Cubs. He rejoined the team for their first North American game on March 27, but his performance has not been up to his usual standards. His current batting stats include a .254/.338/.405 slash line and eight home runs over 234 plate appearances, translating to an above-average 111 wRC+.

Despite walking more than striking out, Betts' hard-hit and barrel rates are significantly lower than his career averages, possibly due in part to a .249 BABIP and his focus shift to mastering the shortstop position. On the defensive side, Betts has been competent, boasting +2 Defensive Runs Saved and a +3 Outs Above Average over 447 innings.

The Dodgers and their fans hope this toe injury will be a small bump in the road for Betts as he continues to navigate a challenging season.