Dodgers' Mookie Betts back after recovering from broken hand #dodgers #mlbseason2024 #mlb

Mookie Betts welcomes a return to right field even though he believes he has shown he also can do a fine job at shortstop.

The eight-time All-Star came off the injured list Monday at Milwaukee, playing right field and batting second for the Los Angeles Dodgers after missing nearly two months with a broken left hand. Betts primarily had been playing shortstop this season -- a new position for him -- and hitting leadoff before his injury.

"It's not like I've been years away from it," Betts said about moving back to right field. "It hasn't even been a year. I've still got it in me."

Betts, who turns 32 on Oct. 7, said he would be wearing a hand guard to protect himself. He got hurt when he was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals reliever Dan Altavilla on June 16.

Monday night's game against the Brewers marked Betts' 917th career start in right field. He's made 92 at second base and 73 at shortstop. All his starts at shortstop and the majority of his starts at second base came over the last two seasons.

"I do believe that I can be a good shortstop, but I know there's a couple of guys in our clubhouse who are very, very good at it -- Gold Glove winners," Betts said. "They need to take care of that. I feel like what's best for me and the team is to go out and play right."