Dodgers' Mookie Betts lands on IL with oblique strain

Dodgers' depth expected to help team weather Betts' absence

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:48pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts has been placed on the injured list due to an oblique strain. While the injury will sideline Betts for several weeks, the Dodgers' deep roster and strong start to the season should allow them to weather his absence.

Why it matters

Betts is a former MVP and one of the Dodgers' top offensive threats, so his injury is a significant loss. However, the Dodgers have built a roster with ample depth and talent, allowing them to absorb injuries to key players without seeing a major drop-off in production.

The details

Betts suffered the oblique strain during a checked swing in the Dodgers' 10-5 win over the Nationals on Saturday. He was replaced in the lineup after one plate appearance by Miguel Rojas. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he is hopeful Betts will return in less than the typical 4-6 week timeline for an oblique injury. To replace Betts on the roster, the Dodgers have activated infielder Hyeseong Kim.

  • Betts suffered the oblique injury on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Dodgers placed Betts on the injured list on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Mookie Betts

A former MVP and one of the Dodgers' top offensive players, who is currently sidelined with an oblique strain.

Miguel Rojas

A Dodgers infielder who replaced Betts in the lineup after his injury.

Hyeseong Kim

An infielder who has been activated from the roster to replace Betts while he is on the injured list.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who provided an update on Betts' injury timeline.

Andy Pages

A Dodgers prospect who has been contributing offensively to help make up for Betts' slow start.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to put a firm timetable on a possible return for Betts, but he's hopeful it'll be less than the four-to-six weeks we generally expect to see from an oblique strain.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Betts' recovery and provide updates on his potential return timeline in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Despite the loss of star player Mookie Betts to an oblique injury, the Dodgers' deep roster and strong start to the season should allow them to weather his absence without a significant drop-off in production. The team's depth and talent across the lineup have been on full display early in the year.