Paul Goldschmidt Best Positioned to Win NL MVP with Manny Machado, Mookie Betts Injured
By Reed Wallach
The National League MVP race is wide open, and injuries are now starting to play a role.
Over the weekend, both Mookie Betts and Manny Machado each suffered injuries. While neither are projected to be too serious or potentially season-ending, the two leaders in the National League MVP race are set to miss time, paving the way for Cardinals slugger Paul Goldschmidt to become the favorite for the award.
Let's check in on the oddsboard with some updates on Betts, Machado and a look at Goldschmidt's candidacy at WynnBET Sportsbook:
2022 NL MVP Odds
- Paul Goldschmidt: +175
- Mookie Betts: +280
- Manny Machado: +350
- Pete Alonso: +800
- Bryce Harper: +850
- Ronald Acuna Jr: +1800
- Nolan Arenado: +2000
- Trea Turners: +3500
Mookie Betts, Manny Machado Injury Updates
Betts has a cracked rib that landed him on the IL this week. While the hope is that he won't miss a significant time, about two weeks, it's a blow to Betts' MVP chances in a crowded race.
"It's a cracked rib so it just has to do its thing and we'll be back." @mookiebetts on his injury. pic.twitter.com/DsHlRpBG7R
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) June 19, 2022
However, a day later, Machado suffered a gruesome injury that looked like it could be season-ending, but thankfully, it won't land him on the IL. Again, it's ugly so maybe it takes some time and lingers, but we'll have to wait and see.
Looks like #Padres Manny Machado has a left inversion ankle sprain.
— Adam Hutchison PT, DPT (@TheRealAdam_H) June 19, 2022
This can be very painful but fracture is unlikely. Depending on the severity it can be a multi-week absence. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the 10 day IL. pic.twitter.com/DybC8qwr27
Bob Melvin on Manny Machado’s status:
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 22, 2022
“He’s not on the IL, and I don’t foresee that happening here in the next few days.” pic.twitter.com/laFPw2Pk79
Machado has the leg up in most major categories. He ranks second in WAR and on-base percentage, per Baseball Reference in the National League. However, any time on the sidelines can cost him against someone like Goldschmidt.
The Cardinals first baseman leads the NL in offensive WAR, batting average, on-base percentage and second in RBI's. St. Louis has jumped to the front of the NL Central and Goldschmidt can pull away in this race with more reps and these type of homers.
Paul Goldschmidt is INCREDIBLE pic.twitter.com/YtUZbRe2rd
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 14, 2022
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