The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost two straight games against the Colorado Rockies, but they still boast the best record in MLB. They sit at 15-6 and lead the National League West.
Despite the recent slump, the Dodgers have undoubtedly looked like the best team in baseball to start the season and have achieved this early success despite dealing with a number of injuries. One of the most notable absences has been Mookie Betts, who suffered a right oblique strain on April 5 against the Washington Nationals.
The injury occurred on a checked swing early in the game, and Betts felt discomfort while running the bases.
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An MRI confirmed the strain, and the Dodgers placed him on the 10-day injured list. The setback has forced him to miss 13 straight games.
Ahead of Monday’s game against Colorado, manager Dave Roberts provided a positive update on his star shortstop.
“Mookie Betts started a swing progression over the weekend,” Roberts said.
Roberts also confirmed that it’ll take a while before he’s active, but the latest update signals huge progress as he rehabs his oblique injury (h/t Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic).
Betts remains one of LA’s most experienced and reliable bats despite a slow start to the season. In the games he played before the injury, he batted .179 with two home runs and seven RBIs.
Over his career, Betts has earned eight All-Star selections, won the 2018 American League MVP award, taken home six Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger awards. He has also helped the Dodgers win three World Series titles in addition to his first championship during his time with the Boston Red Sox.
Roberts has not given a firm timeline, but the Dodgers will hope to have him back soon enough.
In the meantime, LA will look to even the series in the final game against the Rockies. First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 pm ET at Coors Field.
