Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Betts (hand) has started to field softly hit groundballs, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Though Betts hasn't yet been cleared for full baseball activities, taking part in fielding work is an indication that he hasn't experienced any setbacks in his recovery from a fractured left hand. The All-Star was given an estimated 6-to-8-week timeline for a return after sustaining the injury in mid-June, and though he still has a ways to go in his rehab, Betts could be ready to come off the 10-day injured list in early August. Betts has seen the majority of his starts at shortstop this season, though the Dodgers could look to deploy him mainly at second base upon his return. Miguel Rojas has excelled as Betts' primary replacement at shortstop and could be deserving of a full-time role upon Betts' return, while second baseman Gavin Lux entered Sunday's game against the Tigers sporting a lowly .565 OPS on the season.