Dodgers Exercise Caution with Mookie Betts’ Oblique Injury Recovery

As the Dodgers faced off against the New York Mets in their series finale, the anticipation surrounding Mookie Betts’ return from the injured list was palpable. However, the star shortstop is taking a measured approach to his recovery from an oblique strain, ensuring he doesn’t rush back into action.

Manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Betts, stating, “He’s moving well. I see him throwing, stretching out a little bit. I’m not sure when he’s going to start swinging the bat.” Fortunately, Betts has reported no symptoms during daily activities, although he still feels discomfort during sport-specific exercises.

The injury occurred during a game on April 4 in Washington D.C., most likely while Betts was running the bases. He shared his thoughts on the situation with David Vassegh of Dodger Talk, explaining, “It’s not that it hurts. It’s just you feel it and — you don’t want to feel it, because the more that you feel it, that means it’s still healing.” Betts emphasized the importance of avoiding any quick movements that could aggravate the injury.

On Tuesday, Betts was seen on the field at Dodger Stadium, participating in various pregame activities, including throwing and rotational work in the weight room. However, he has yet to resume swinging a bat. “I’m able to throw. Running, I feel it, but it’s not that bad,” he said. “We want to get fully comfortable with throwing the med ball, and not having really any hesitation with that before we start swinging.”

With no set timetable for his return or a minor league rehab assignment on the horizon, Betts’ situation remains fluid. Roberts noted, “We don’t really know how long he’s going to be out for, but I do know there are sim-game opportunities, and he’s not one who loves going on a rehab assignment.” This cautious approach is a contrast to Betts’ previous experience, where he missed 15 days on the injured list in 2018 due to a similar issue.

At 33 years old, Betts and the Dodgers are taking a wiser route this time around. “I think the oblique is something that is good until it’s not,” Roberts remarked. “You want to make sure that you’re really mindful of the process to get back and build up.” Betts himself echoed this sentiment, stating, “Things are going great. It’s just an oblique and things are going to take time.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.