Mookie Betts, a standout for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had to use crutches to exit the game on Thursday.

The seven-time All-Star departed the team’s game against the Miami Marlins after fouling a pitch off the ball of his foot, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. The x-rays were negative, according to Plunkett, but he did leave the stadium using crutches.

In the eighth inning of Thursday’s game, Michael Busch took Betts’ place in the lineup, while James Outman moved to center field.

The negative diagnosis is extremely helpful for Betts’ long-term care, but it does not guarantee that he won’t miss work on a daily basis. The team, which is 85-54 and has a 13-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West, should probably proceed cautiously.

The squad is still in pursuit of the Atlanta Braves for the National League’s best record, and winning that distinction would give them home-field advantage throughout the postseason. When Betts is out, it makes it extremely harder for the Dodgers to catch up to the Braves, who are presently leading by six games.

Betts has hit.313 this year with 38 home runs and 99 RBIs. He has been the best performer for the Dodgers in a strong lineup and is competing with Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves for the NL MVP Award.

While playing for the Boston Red Sox in the American League, Betts was named MVP in 2018. He and Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson would be the only players in league history to have won the MVP Award in both leagues if he were to receive it.