Dodgers Place Star Shortstop Mookie Betts on Injured List

Betts sidelined with oblique strain, expected to miss several weeks

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a baseball game, with sharp planes and angles representing the loss of a star player to injury.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a star shortstop's injury absence and the Dodgers' challenge to stay competitive without their key player.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed star shortstop Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list after an MRI confirmed he is dealing with an oblique strain. The injury is expected to sideline Betts for several weeks as he recovers.

Why it matters

Betts is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup and a perennial All-Star, so his absence will be a significant blow to the team's chances of contending in the NL West. Oblique injuries can be tricky and often require extended recovery time, so the Dodgers will have to find a way to stay competitive without their star shortstop.

The details

The Dodgers made the move to place Betts on the IL on Sunday, a day after he exited the team's game against the San Diego Padres with the oblique issue. An MRI confirmed the strain, and the Dodgers will now have to manage without Betts for the foreseeable future as he works to recover and regain full strength in his oblique.

  • Betts was injured during the Dodgers' game against the Padres on April 4, 2026.
  • The Dodgers placed Betts on the 10-day injured list on April 5, 2026.

The players

Mookie Betts

A star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is currently sidelined with an oblique strain.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, California that competes in the National League West division.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Mookie for any amount of time is a big blow, but we're confident he'll work hard to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will have to find a way to fill Betts' spot in the lineup and on defense while he recovers from the oblique strain. They will monitor his progress closely and hope to have him back in action within the next few weeks.

The takeaway

This injury to Mookie Betts is a significant setback for the Dodgers as they look to contend in the NL West this season. The team will have to find creative ways to replace his production and leadership until he is able to return to the field.