Dodgers roll Rockies in first action without Betts

The Dodgers were without their leadoff hitter for the first time all season and Shohei Ohtani, Jason Heyward and Miguel Rojas picked up the slack, taking down the Rockies, 9-5, on Monday night at Coors Field. 

Mookie Betts was diagnosed with a fractured hand Sunday and there were many questions as to how the Dodgers (45-29) were going to replace his production. 

Ohtani was pushed up to the leadoff spot in his absence. He, Heyward and Rojas had three-hit games en route to a balanced attack by the Dodgers’ offense. 

Starter James Paxton (7-1) lowered his ERA to 3.65 with his seven innings. He allowed two hits and gave up one run. 

Here are the takeaways:

Ohtani, Freeman lead Dodgers

It is going to be an absolute grind without Betts at the head of the snake that is the Dodgers’ stacked lineup. But offense the Dodgers offense was led by Freddie Freeman, who reached base a career-high six times — including five walks. It was the first time he reached base six times in a game. 

Ohtani reached base four times as the leadoff hitter.  That said, this game was played in Denver and the ball carries at 5,280 feet elevation.

Rojas continues stellar season

There was a question if Rojas was going to return this season because of Gavin Lux’s comeback. But he has improved his batting average to .292 after a three-hit game.  

There has been plenty of talk about the trade deadline and if the Dodgers should go big game hunting now that Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are hurt.

If Rojas continues to play well in Mookie’s absence, the Dodgers should not need to add a shortstop. He has outperformed expectations. 

Betts, Yamamoto should return

The Dodgers lost two of their best players over the weekend, but there should not be a ton of concern. Yamamoto is out with a rotator cuff and Betts has a fractured hand, but neither are expected to need surgery. 

Betts and Yamamoto are expected to by September at the latest, which still puts them a month ahead of the playoffs to return to form. 

On Tuesday, the Dodgers will start right-hander Walker Buehler (1-4, 4.64 ERA) to face left-hander Austin Gomber (1-4, 4.26) at 5:40 p.m.