Dodgers to Place Mookie Betts on 10-Day IL with Oblique Strain

Betts aggravated the injury on a check swing, sidelining the star shortstop for at least a few weeks.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:58pm

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The Los Angeles Dodgers will place star shortstop Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain. Betts was removed from Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals after aggravating the injury on a check swing. While oblique injuries can be unpredictable, the Dodgers are optimistic Betts will miss less time than the typical 4-6 week recovery timeline for such an issue.

Why it matters

Betts is one of the Dodgers' top players, so his absence will be a significant blow to the team's lineup and playoff hopes. The Dodgers will have to rely more on players like Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and Alex Freeland to fill the void at shortstop and second base while Betts recovers.

The details

Betts was removed from Saturday's game against the Nationals in the first inning due to right lower back tightness. However, further testing revealed an oblique strain, which will sideline him for at least a few weeks. The Dodgers believe Betts aggravated the injury on a check swing earlier in the game. Hyeseong Kim was called up from the minors to help fill in at shortstop alongside Rojas, while Freeland will see more time at second base.

  • Betts was removed from Saturday's game against the Nationals in the first inning.
  • The Dodgers expect to place Betts on the 10-day injured list on Sunday.

The players

Mookie Betts

The star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers who suffered a right oblique strain.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hyeseong Kim

A player called up from the minors by the Dodgers to help fill in at shortstop while Betts is injured.

Miguel Rojas

A Dodgers player who will split time at shortstop with Kim.

Alex Freeland

A Dodgers player who will see more time at second base with Betts out.

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What they’re saying

“I would take the under on that. But as far as putting a timeline, I'm really hesitant right now because they are tricky.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“Hearing oblique, and it gives you a little something in your stomach. But talking to Mookie, I felt a little more reassured today.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

“He's actually in better spirits. Obviously disappointed, but just the way he feels today, and I think he's had some dealings with that before and said it's better than he recalls past experience. So that was encouraging.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor Betts' recovery and provide updates on his timeline to return. The team is hopeful he will miss less time than the typical 4-6 week recovery for an oblique strain.

The takeaway

Betts' injury is a significant blow to the Dodgers, who will have to rely on their depth to fill the void at shortstop and second base while he is sidelined. The team is optimistic Betts will return sooner than expected, but oblique strains can be unpredictable, so his recovery timeline remains uncertain.