Dodgers' Mookie Betts Progressing from Oblique Injury

Manager Dave Roberts provides update on star outfielder's recovery timeline

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball swing, with the player's face and uniform abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue and white.An abstract, cubist interpretation of a Dodgers star's powerful swing captures the dynamism and uncertainty of Mookie Betts' recovery from injury.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has been sidelined for over a week with an oblique injury, but manager Dave Roberts says Betts is moving well and not experiencing any symptoms. Roberts is uncertain when Betts will resume swinging a bat, noting the oblique injury is 'good until it's not.' The Dodgers are off to a strong 12-4 start without their star player, who is not expected to be activated right away upon his return, with the expectation being he'll return sometime in May.

Why it matters

Mookie Betts is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup and their pursuit of a fourth World Series title in six years. His injury status will be closely watched as the Dodgers look to maintain their early-season momentum in his absence.

The details

Betts has been on the injured list since April 4 after suffering the oblique injury. He finished that game against the Washington Nationals with one walk and one run scored, but the Dodgers went on to win 10-5. So far this season, the Dodgers are 12-4 and have won 8 of their last 10 games without Betts in the lineup.

  • Betts was last in the lineup on April 4 against the Nationals.
  • The Dodgers are currently in the midst of a 3-game series against the Mets, which began on April 14.

The players

Mookie Betts

A star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has won 3 World Series titles with the team since joining in 2020. He is a 5-time All-Star and 4-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has provided updates on Betts' injury progress and recovery timeline.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's moving well... there's still cause of trying to figure out how he ended up doing it. The oblique is good until it's not.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers expect Betts to return sometime in May, though he will not be activated right away upon his return.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' oblique injury is a concern for the Dodgers, but the team has managed to maintain their strong start to the season without their star player. His eventual return will be a boost as they pursue another World Series championship.