Dodgers' Mookie Betts Sidelined by Oblique Injury

Unclear timeline for return as star outfielder recovers from right oblique strain.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player sliding into a base, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors like blue, red, and yellow, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.Mookie Betts' oblique injury forces the Dodgers to adjust their lineup, exposing the fragility of star players in the modern game.Washington Today

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique muscle strain. Neither Betts nor manager Dave Roberts have provided a specific timeline for his return, though Betts expressed optimism about recovering 'as fast as possible' while acknowledging the need to be cautious with oblique injuries.

Why it matters

Betts is a key offensive contributor for the Dodgers, having won the MVP award in 2018. His absence due to the oblique injury could impact the team's performance and playoff chances if the recovery timeline is extended.

The details

Betts sustained the injury while running the bases to score on a double by teammate Freddie Freeman during a game against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Betts said he doesn't know exactly how the injury occurred, as it was a 'perfectly normal day' and he had been preparing properly. Manager Dave Roberts believes the injury may have originated on a check swing, though Betts denied that. Betts is currently shut down from hitting and throwing as he recovers.

  • Betts was injured on April 4, 2026 while playing against the Washington Nationals.
  • Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 6, 2026.

The players

Mookie Betts

A star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who won the MVP award in 2018. He is currently sidelined with a right oblique muscle strain.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Freddie Freeman

A teammate of Mookie Betts on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“'Just as fast as possible. But obviously, I know I need to be smart with obliques. They can kind of linger around, so be smart about it. But I'm not trying to take my time or anything, I want to play.'”

— Mookie Betts, Dodgers Outfielder

“'But that there's no one point, I think that's a good thing. So yeah, we're hopeful.'”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Mookie Betts' recovery and provide updates on his timeline to return from the injured list.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' oblique injury is a setback for the Dodgers, but the team is hopeful he can recover quickly and return to the lineup soon. Oblique strains can be tricky, so the Dodgers will need to balance Betts' desire to play with the need to ensure he is fully healed before returning to action.