Dodgers Await Mookie Betts' Return as Roki Sasaki Struggles, Shohei Ohtani Shines

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provides updates on Betts' oblique injury and Sasaki's performance, while Ohtani continues his historic run.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:59pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a sweep of the Washington Nationals, but the team faces uncertainty around star outfielder Mookie Betts' oblique injury and inconsistent pitching from young hurlers Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan. Meanwhile, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is in the midst of an unbelievable statistical feat that could go down as one of baseball's greatest achievements.

Why it matters

The Dodgers' success this season hinges on the health of Mookie Betts, who is a key offensive catalyst. The team's pitching depth will also be tested as young starters like Sasaki and Sheehan struggle to go deep into games. Ohtani's historic run highlights his status as one of the most dominant players in the sport today.

The details

Betts was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain, and while manager Dave Roberts is hopeful he'll return within the next four weeks, he's hesitant to put a firm timeline on the recovery. Sasaki, one of the Dodgers' top pitching prospects, had a rough outing against the Nationals, allowing six earned runs in five innings. Roberts called out both Sasaki and Sheehan earlier in the week for their inability to cover innings as starting pitchers. Meanwhile, Ohtani extended his active on-base streak and scoreless innings streak, cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

  • Betts was placed on the injured list on April 6, 2026.
  • Sasaki struggled in his start against the Nationals on April 6, 2026.

The players

Mookie Betts

A star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was placed on the injured list with an oblique strain.

Roki Sasaki

A young starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has struggled to go deep into games, prompting criticism from manager Dave Roberts.

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels who is in the midst of an unbelievable statistical feat, extending his active on-base streak and scoreless innings streak as a starting pitcher.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers who has expressed concern over the team's pitching depth and the inability of young starters like Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan to cover innings.

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What they’re saying

“'I would take the under on [four to six weeks],' Roberts said. 'But as far as putting a timeline, I'm really hesitant right now because [oblique injuries] are tricky.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“'Obviously, ideally, you'd like to carry none,' Roberts said of having starting pitchers who can't go deep into games. 'Truth be told, I don't want any of those guys. When you're a starter, part of the deal is you've got to log innings. It's part of the hallmark of starters, and Emmet and Roki have got to graduate to that point.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Mookie Betts' recovery from his oblique injury, hoping he can return to the lineup within the next four weeks. The team will also look for improvement from young starters like Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan as they aim to solidify their pitching depth.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' success this season hinges on the health of Mookie Betts and the development of their young pitching staff. While Shohei Ohtani continues to cement his status as a generational talent, the Dodgers must find solutions to their own roster challenges in order to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the National League.