Dodgers' Mookie Betts Nowhere Near Return From Oblique Injury

LA taking cautious approach with star outfielder's recovery timeline

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:40pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric shapes and planes of a baseball player's swing and movements, rendered in vibrant colors like deep blue, bright orange, and metallic silver, conceptually representing the Dodgers' struggle to overcome Mookie Betts' absence.Mookie Betts' prolonged recovery from an oblique injury leaves a gaping hole in the Dodgers' lineup, but the team's depth has kept them afloat as they await their star outfielder's return.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Mookie Betts' oblique injury, saying the team's shortstop is 'symptom-free' but still nowhere near returning to the field. The Dodgers are taking a patient approach, ensuring Betts is fully healthy before bringing him back to avoid any lingering issues.

Why it matters

Betts has been a catalyst for the Dodgers since being traded to the team before the 2020 season, providing both offensive production and defensive versatility. His absence is being felt, but the Dodgers have managed to stay hot, going 7-2 in games he's missed so far.

The details

Betts suffered the oblique injury during the first inning of a game against the Washington Nationals a few weeks ago. He hasn't started swinging a bat yet, meaning he's at least a couple weeks away from returning. Roberts said the team is 'encouraging him to take his time' to ensure Betts can return as his full, productive self.

  • Betts suffered the oblique injury a few weeks ago during a game against the Washington Nationals.
  • The Dodgers have gone 7-2 in games Betts has missed since the injury occurred.

The players

Mookie Betts

The Dodgers' star outfielder who is currently sidelined with an oblique injury.

Dave Roberts

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

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What they’re saying

“'He's not of much benefit if he's not the Mookie Betts that we know. So that's why [we're] encouraging him to take his time.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“'There's been some other injuries that he's dealt with that lingered. So I think that's part of just getting more mature, and making sure,'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will stay patient in the recovery approach for Betts, giving him ample time to fully heal from the injury. Los Angeles will move forward to finish a three-game series with the New York Mets before they head out on the road to face off against the Colorado Rockies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Dodgers' commitment to ensuring Mookie Betts is fully healthy before returning to the field, even if it means being without their star outfielder for an extended period. The team's depth has allowed them to stay hot in his absence, but Betts' presence is crucial to their long-term success.