It looks like the Los Angeles Dodgers are getting their shortstop back sooner rather than later. Manager Dave Roberts said that Mookie Betts could be going on a rehab assignment as soon as next weekend, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Betts came out of the game on April 5th after scoring a run in the first inning. What was first classified as lower back pain was later diagnosed as an oblique injury. Betts is currently on the 10-day injured list.
Roberts: Mookie Betts Could Start Rehab Assignment Next Weekend
Early Season Interrupted Again
This is the second time in as many seasons that the perennial All-Star has been sidelined. Last year, Betts missed time with a virus that cost him more than 20 pounds of weight. As a result, he seemed to struggle offensively as his batting average was 30 points lower than usual. However, his offensive struggles didn’t affect his defense. Betts was a Gold Glove finalist in 2025. Before he was injured this time, he was looking like his old self again with the bat. His average was down to .179, but his power stroke appeared to be returning with the two home runs he hit.
Dave Roberts said he could see Mookie Betts going on a rehab assignment next weekend, or early in the following week. Roberts said Betts doesn’t feel the oblique while swinging, but he did feel it a bit while running a few days ago. Overall, Roberts is encouraged by his progress.
— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) April 24, 2026
Marking Progress
Oblique injuries have tricky recovery times, but it appears that the Dodgers caught this one early. Betts has had several rounds of batting practice on the field with no issues. He still feels it a little bit when running the bases, but thus far, there have been no setbacks.
The Replacements
Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas have been platooning at the premium position in Betts’ absence. They are hitting .324 and .368 respectively, and have given the bottom of the order some much-needed punch. However, with Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker scuffling offensively early this season (to the point where the Dodgers moved Tucker down in the lineup), it is clear that Betts’ presence is sorely missed. Roberts said today that Betts could bat as high as third or as low as fifth when he returns to the lineup. Wherever he is placed, the Dodgers will be glad to have him back. You can bet on it.
Main Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
