Mookie Betts played in three simulated games at Dodger Stadium last week, and that was it. That was the only game action he saw in the last seven weeks recovering from a broken hand.
Instead of sending Betts on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment, the Dodgers are scheduled to activate him from the injured list Monday for the start of a three-games series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The plans reflect the urgency of their situation as much as their belief in Betts.
Heading into the series opener at Miller Park, the Dodgers’ lead over the second-place San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West is at 3 ½ games.