Dodgers Star Mookie Betts Sidelined with Oblique Injury

Betts' absence could open up the NL West race for rivals like Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:25pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has been placed on the injured list after an MRI revealed a right oblique strain. The eight-time All-Star and former MVP is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, a significant blow to the Dodgers as they look to defend their NL West title.

Why it matters

Betts is one of the best all-around players in baseball, and his absence creates an opportunity for the Dodgers' divisional rivals to gain ground in the standings. The Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks all have the talent to capitalize on the Dodgers' vulnerability while Betts is sidelined.

The details

Betts exited the Dodgers' win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday, and an MRI revealed the oblique strain. Manager Dave Roberts is hopeful Betts will miss less than the standard 4-6 weeks for this type of injury, but oblique issues can be unpredictable. The Dodgers are already dealing with injuries to Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernández, so Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas will split time at shortstop in Betts' absence.

  • Betts exited the Dodgers' game against the Nationals on Saturday, April 3, 2026.
  • An MRI on Sunday, April 4, 2026 revealed the right oblique strain.

The players

Mookie Betts

An eight-time All-Star outfielder and former MVP for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hyeseong Kim

A Dodgers infielder who will split time at shortstop with Miguel Rojas while Betts is out.

Miguel Rojas

A Dodgers infielder who will split time at shortstop with Hyeseong Kim while Betts is out.

Blake Snell

A two-time Cy Young Award winning pitcher for the Dodgers who is also currently on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“Mookie Betts will hit the IL after MRI results revealed a right oblique strain. Dave Roberts was hesitant to put a timetable on Betts, citing the unpredictable nature of oblique injuries, but is hopeful the time missed will be less than the standard 4-6 weeks.”

— Katie Woo, Reporter

What’s next

The Dodgers will have to find a way to stay afloat in the NL West without their superstar Mookie Betts, who is expected to miss at least a month with the oblique injury. The Padres, Giants, and Diamondbacks will look to take advantage of the Dodgers' vulnerability and gain ground in the division standings.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' injury is a significant blow to the Dodgers, who were already dealing with other key injuries. This opens the door for the Dodgers' divisional rivals to make a move in the standings, as the NL West race becomes more wide open with the former MVP sidelined.