The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone 21-13 to open the 2026 season, doing so largely without shortstop Mookie Betts. On Monday, manager Dave Roberts provided an update on when the All-Star could return according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
Betts appeared in only eight games before heading to the injured list in early April. During that time, he slashed .179/.281/.429 with two home runs, seven RBIs and a .710 OPS. Since taking over at shortstop this season, he has a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage across 63 innings.
In Betts’ time away from the team, rookie Hyesong Kim has been the primary shortstop with veteran Miguel Rojas taking over at times in platoon matchups.
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The 33-year-old has not played since April 4 against the Washington Nationals, where he was removed in the first inning with lower back pain, which later was found to be a right oblique injury. Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list shortly after and has sinced missed 26 games.
Ahead of the series openier against the Houston Astros, Roberts said Betts is scheduled to face live pitching Thursday. If that session goes well, a rehab assignment could begin “soon.”
Roberts also addressed to other injured players Monday. Infielder Enrique Hernandez, dealing with a left elbow injury, is expected to begin a rehab assignment as soon as Tuesday. Utility man Tommy Edman remains on a “slow program” and is still sore, with no clear timeline announced.
The back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers will look to add to their National League West lead when they open the three-game series against Houston on Monday night.
