Dave Roberts Shares Mookie Betts Update Before World Series Rematch Against Blue Jays

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 8:11 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers won't be able to rely on one of the most versatile and dynamic players in baseball, Mookie Betts, for a little bit at the very least.

The eight-time All-Star remains a central piece as the Dodgers push toward another postseason run, although his start to the 2026 campaign has come with some question marks around it.

Betts already entered this season looking to bounce back offensively after a down year by his standards in 2025, when he hit .258 with 20 home runs across 663 plate appearances. This year hasn't started better, with Betts batting .179 and going just 5-of-28, albeit with two home runs, in eight games.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50)© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On Saturday against the Washington Nationals, Betts drew the start at shortstop but exited early due to a lower-back injury.

After walking and later scoring on a two-run double from Freddie Freeman in the top of the first inning, Betts appeared to be moving gingerly as he returned to the dugout. He did not take the field for the bottom half of the inning.

Miguel Rojas replaced Betts at shortstop as the Dodgers went on to secure a 10-5 victory.

Per The Athletic's Katie Woo , Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Betts' status.

"Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts (back) will undergo an MRI tonight," Woo reported. "Said Betts felt his back tighten up while running the bases in the first. Roberts described it as more 'moderate than serious' but does not expect Betts to play the next couple of days."

Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts (back) will undergo an MRI tonight. Said Betts felt his back tighten up while running the bases in the first. Roberts described it as more “moderate than serious” but does not expect Betts to play the next couple of days.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) April 4, 2026

If Betts misses extended time, Rojas and Alex Freeland should be expected to handle shortstop duties. Hyeseong Kim, meanwhile, could be the next man in line to be called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Even with Betts still working into form early this season, the Dodgers improved to 6-2 with Saturday’s win over the Nationals.

However, the Dodgers could miss Betts dearly in their next series, as Los Angeles will travel to Canada to face the Toronto Blue Jays in a World Series rematch starting on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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