The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a massive boost. The former MVP and World Series hero Mookie Betts is expected to return from the MLB injured list this week after missing more than a month with a right oblique strain. According to reports, Betts is returning to Los Angeles after completing a rehab assignment and is expected to be activated from the 10-day IL today. And for the rest of the National League, that’s bad news.
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Betts Ready to Return
Betts has been sidelined since April 5 after suffering an oblique injury early in the season. Before landing on the IL, he appeared in only a limited sample of games. He wasn’t bad, but certainly below the elite standard fans have come to expect from one of baseball’s biggest stars.
Even after a somewhat down offensive season in 2025, the Dodgers remain fully confident in Betts returning to form. And honestly, they should be.
Betts:
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Won AL MVP with the Boston Red Sox in 2018
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Was consistently among baseball’s elite hitters from 2019 to 2024
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Played a huge role in the Dodgers’ recent World Series success
Even last season, when his offensive numbers dipped slightly, he still remained an above-average hitter while providing elite defense.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts
There’s Reason to Believe a Bounce Back Is Coming
The underlying numbers suggest Betts may have simply been unlucky offensively last year. His batting average on balls in play dropped well below his career norm, and several advanced metrics indicated he deserved better results than what showed up on the stat sheet. That’s encouraging for a Dodgers team already leading the NL West.
What’s scary for the rest of baseball is this: The Dodgers barely slowed down without Betts. Even during his absence, Los Angeles continued rolling and currently sits atop the division at 24–15.
Youngsters and role players stepped up. Hyesong Kim especially impressed, hitting over .300 while filling in during Betts’ absence.
What His Return Means
Once Betts returns, he will slide back into shortstop while Kim and Alex Freeland are expected to split time at second base. Rojas will return to a utility role, and suddenly, the Dodgers become even deeper.
The Dodgers are already one of baseball’s best teams. Now they’re about to get back A former MVP, World Series hero, a leader, and one of the sport’s most accomplished players. That’s a terrifying thought for the rest of MLB.
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