Dodgers Announce Mookie Betts News After Leaving Nationals Game

In his first at-bat on Saturday against the Nationals, Betts drew a walk and later came around to score on a double from first basemanFreddie Freeman.

However, when the Dodgers took the field for the bottom half of the first inning, Betts was noticeably not present. Instead, Miguel Rojas trotted out to shortstop in his place, immediately raising concern.

With Betts in the dugout, the Dodgers announced a disappointing update on his status moments later. “Mookie Betts left today’s game with right low back pain,” the team wrote on X.

It is unclear how severe Betts’ injury is or whether he was hurt while running the bases, but after scoring he did appear to walk back to the dugout in discomfort.

If Betts is forced to miss extended time, Rojas would likely be the first option up the middle. However, Los Angeles will hope that scenario does not unfold.

Betts remains one of the team’s foundational pieces and will be for the rest of his career. He is signed to his massive 12-year $365 million contract extension, giving him plenty of time to chase more championships in Los Angeles.

With the Dodgers looking to start the regular season strong, any absence from Betts would only magnify the importance of his recovery and how quickly he can return to the lineup.