Dodgers' Mookie Betts optimistic about quick return from oblique injury

Betts says current oblique strain is 'much less severe' than previous injury in 2018

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's swing broken down into overlapping planes of blue, white, and gray, capturing the dynamic motion and physical strain of the sport.Mookie Betts' oblique injury exposes the fragility of star players and the Dodgers' need for depth as they aim to return to the playoffs.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is optimistic about a quick return from an oblique injury that landed him on the injured list. Betts said the current strain is 'much less severe' than a previous oblique injury he suffered in 2018, which caused him to miss two weeks. The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Betts' recovery, but he is eager to get back on the field as soon as possible.

Why it matters

Mookie Betts is a key player for the Dodgers, and his quick return from injury could be crucial for the team's success this season. Oblique injuries can be tricky, so the Dodgers will need to balance Betts' eagerness to play with ensuring he is fully healed before returning to action.

The details

Betts said he is not even sure when the current oblique injury occurred, as he 'just took off running' and felt something. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sees this as a positive, as it suggests the injury may not be as severe as a specific incident causing it. Betts is doing light activities and will increase his workload based on how his body responds day-to-day.

  • Betts suffered the oblique injury on April 5, 2026.
  • In 2018, Betts missed two weeks at the end of May and early June with an oblique strain.

The players

Mookie Betts

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is currently on the injured list with an oblique injury.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“I feel great. Honestly, I don't even really notice that it hurts. I mean, I'll have to do, like, certain movements (for it to hurt), but it's very specific movements. So yeah. I think we're in a much better spot than originally anticipated.”

— Mookie Betts, Dodgers Outfielder

“I think it's a good thing that he really doesn't know how he hurt it. I would still argue that it's from the checked swing (during Betts' plate appearance). But I think he feels he did it running, which is, when you look at the oblique, that doesn't happen very often. But that there's no one point – I think that's a good thing.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

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