LOS ANGELES (AP) — For at least one game, the Los Angeles Dodgers resembled the team that has been one of the best in the National League over the past nine seasons.
It could be a while until they’re truly at full strength.
Freddie Freeman had three hits, Trea Turner homered and four Los Angeles pitchers limited Cleveland to two hits in the Dodgers’ 7-1 victory over the Guardians on Saturday — a victory stained by the postgame announcement that Mookie Betts is headed to the injured list.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed that Betts has a cracked right rib from a collision with Cody Bellinger on Wednesday. There is no timeline for the 2018 AL MVP’s return.
“It’s certainly a big blow to all of us, but knowing and having the information at least there is solace in that,” Roberts said. “A week from now, we’ll know more. Hopefully we can get him back sooner than later.”
Julio Urías (4-6) pitched six strong innings to earn his first win since May 20. The left-hander, who had gone 0-3 with a 3.09 ERA in his last four outings, allowed an unearned run on two hits with six strikeouts and two walks.
“I don’t think we’ve done a great job giving Julio run support this year,” catcher Austin Barnes said. “I thought his fastball was good today. He did a good job moving his curveball around. He is settling in nice.”
It was a season low in hits for Cleveland, which was missing AL RBI leader José Ramírez due to right thumb discomfort. The loss snapped a season-best five-game winning streak.
“That guy pitched well. That’s more what it was,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said.
While the Guardians had trouble generating offense, all of the Dodgers starters reached base, with five of their 11 hits going for extra bases.
After Austin Barnes’…