Dodgers' Mookie Betts Sidelined with Back Injury

Star outfielder to undergo MRI, status uncertain for upcoming games

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:35am

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Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts left Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals with a back injury and will undergo an MRI scan. Betts is expected to miss at least the next couple of games, though manager Dave Roberts said the injury does not appear to be significant. The Dodgers are taking a wait-and-see approach as they determine if they need to call up a player from the minors to cover for Betts during his absence.

Why it matters

Mookie Betts is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup and defensive alignment, so any extended absence could be a significant blow to the team's early-season momentum. The Dodgers are hoping the injury is minor and Betts can return to the field soon, but they are prepared to adjust their roster if needed to account for his potential time on the injured list.

The details

Betts walked and scored a run in the first inning of Saturday's game before leaving with lower back pain on his right side. Manager Dave Roberts said Betts was scheduled to undergo an MRI scan that night, and the team will have a better sense of the severity of the injury after those results. In the meantime, the Dodgers will likely turn to Miguel Rojas and Alex Freeland to fill in at shortstop, and they may also consider recalling infielder Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City if Betts needs to be placed on the injured list.

  • Betts left Saturday's game against the Nationals in the 1st inning.
  • Betts is expected to miss at least the next couple of games.

The players

Mookie Betts

All-Star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers who suffered a back injury during Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals.

Dave Roberts

Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who provided an update on Betts' injury status after the game.

Miguel Rojas

Dodgers infielder who filled in at shortstop after Betts left the game.

Alex Freeland

Dodgers infielder who can also cover shortstop in Betts' absence.

Hyeseong Kim

Infielder in the Dodgers' minor league system who the team may consider recalling if Betts needs to go on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“We'll huddle up and see if we need to get a player here to protect against us, depending on how the MRI comes [out]. But he certainly won't be playing the next couple days, I would assume.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“Disappointed for him. Because we're sort of starting to get going a little bit, and the way he's playing defense, and he's a big part of what we do. Any time you miss, it's going to take some time to kind of get your footing. So disappointed for him, but hopeful that it's not long term.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will wait for the results of Mookie Betts' MRI scan to determine the severity of his back injury and whether he will need to be placed on the injured list. In the meantime, the team will evaluate its roster options, including potentially recalling infielder Hyeseong Kim from the minors, to cover for Betts' absence.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' back injury is a significant concern for the Dodgers, as he is a vital part of their lineup and defense. The team is hoping the injury is not serious, but they are prepared to make roster adjustments if Betts needs to miss extended time. This situation highlights the importance of depth and flexibility for contending teams dealing with key player injuries early in the season.