Sunday, April 5, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

On Saturday, Mookie Betts injured his right oblique on a checked swing and felt it while running to score on Freddie Freeman’s double.

Betts is expected to miss four to six weeks. On Sunday, he felt better than expected and was in good spirits.

Oblique injuries are common in baseball. They can happen to any player. Swinging a 32-ounce bat with force can strain the oblique.

Yes, Betts is 33, which is considered older in baseball. His injury isn’t caused by his age. This type of strain is hard on anyone’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Every team has to deal with injuries during the season. Injuries determined the World Champions.

No doubt the Los Angeles Dodgers will miss Betts, a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop who can hit.

While the Dodgers are known for their depth, they don’t have much at shortstop. They have promoted Hyeseong Kim. He and Miguel Rojas will share time at shortstop. Until Tommy Edman returns from offseason ankle surgery, Alex Freeland will play second base.

Of course, the Dodgers will miss Betts offensively. Any time a team has its third hitter in the lineup miss significant time, it is difficult. Their offense will suffer.

But the Dodgers have a deep lineup. The addition of Kyle Tucker will help make up the difference in Betts’ absence. Freddie Freeman has considerable experience batting third.

Rojas has tremendous defense at shortstop. On Saturday, he made a highlight play when he threw out the runner from his seat. However, the Dodgers don’t want the 37-year-old Rojas playing every day.

Kim, in his second year in the Dodger organization, is poised to have a big year. He struck out a little too much during spring training while missing time to play in the World Baseball Classic. The Dodgers want to see more walks from Kim. He collects hits frequently, and his incredible speed will add another dimension to the Dodgers.

Kim has improved his ability to throw to first base from shortstop with a different arm angle. The Dodgers envision Kim as a super utility man, playing second base, shortstop, and center field. The Betts injury gives Kim an opportunity to prove he belongs in the major leagues.

Losing Betts gives the Dodgers a chance to show they can win without being at full strength.