Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provides key Mookie Betts update after back injury

Betts exited Saturday's game against the Nationals with right lower back pain and is expected to miss at least a few games.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:19pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Mookie Betts after the shortstop exited Saturday's 10-5 win over the Washington Nationals with right lower back pain. Roberts described the injury as 'more moderate than significant,' indicating optimism that it is not serious, but Betts is expected to miss at least a few games and will not play in Sunday's series finale.

Why it matters

Betts is a key offensive contributor for the Dodgers, and his absence presents an early-season challenge for the reigning champions as they look to maintain their momentum after scoring 23 runs over their last two games.

The details

Betts' injury occurred in the first inning while running the bases. After drawing a full-count walk, he scored from first on a two-run double by Freddie Freeman, but the effort appeared to aggravate his back. Betts walked slowly to the dugout and did not return for the bottom half of the inning. The Dodgers are awaiting the results of an MRI to determine the severity of the issue, and they are preparing contingency plans, with Hyeseong Kim considered the primary call-up option from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

  • Betts' injury occurred in the first inning of Saturday's game against the Nationals.
  • Betts will not play in Sunday's series finale against the Nationals.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mookie Betts

A shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers who exited Saturday's game with a back injury.

Freddie Freeman

A player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who hit a two-run double in the first inning of Saturday's game.

Miguel Rojas

A player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who replaced Betts at shortstop after he left the game.

Hyeseong Kim

A player with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City who is considered the primary call-up option to provide infield depth in Betts' absence.

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What they’re saying

“Betts' injury occurred in the first inning while running the bases. After drawing a full-count walk, he scored from first on a two-run double by Freddie Freeman, giving the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. However, the effort appeared to aggravate his back, as he walked slowly to the dugout and did not return for the bottom half of the inning.”

— Abdullah Imran, Author

“Roberts confirmed postgame that Betts would undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the issue. While the team is awaiting results, the manager described the injury as 'more moderate than significant,' indicating optimism that it is not serious.”

— Abdullah Imran, Author

“An injured list stint remains a strong possibility regardless of MRI results. With a three-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays beginning Monday on artificial turf, the Dodgers may act cautiously to avoid further strain.”

— Abdullah Imran, Author

What’s next

The Dodgers are awaiting the results of Mookie Betts' MRI to determine the severity of his back injury. If the injury is more serious than expected, the team may place Betts on the injured list, especially with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on artificial turf coming up.

The takeaway

Mookie Betts' back injury is a significant early-season challenge for the Dodgers, who will need to manage his recovery carefully to avoid further strain and maintain their offensive momentum without one of their key contributors.