Mookie Betts Injury Update, Latest Rumors on Dodgers Star's Status, Timeline to Return

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, who has been out since April 4 after straining his oblique while running the bases at the Washington Nationals, may return to the lineup as soon as Monday, when the team hosts the San Francisco Giants.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported the news on Thursday, when Betts faced live pitching at Dodger Stadium, marking the first time he did so since the injury.

The Oklahoma City Comets, the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, announced Betts would play for the team on Friday and Saturday as part of a rehab assignment.

Betts will head back to Los Angeles on Sunday, and the team will evaluate him from there and consider the possibility of a Monday return, per Ardaya.

Betts did say last week that he was "turning a corner," per Ardaya.

"There's no magic formula to this," Betts said. "You can do as much rehab and stuff as you want. Things just take time. It's always four to six weeks no matter however you want to twist it. I think we're kind of approaching the four-week mark, so once I get to that point is when I'll really turn the corner the most. So close."

The 33-year-old Betts is in his seventh season with the Dodgers and 13th overall after spending the first part of his career with the Boston Red Sox. His accolades include the 2018 American League MVP award, eight All-Star Games, seven Silver Sluggers, six Gold Gloves, four World Series championships and the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award.

Last season, Betts hit .258 (.732 OPS) with 20 home runs and 82 RBI. In eight games to start this season, Betts is hitting .179 (.710 OPS) with a pair of homers and seven RBI.

The Dodgers, in their quest to become the first team to win back-to-back-to-back World Series since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees, have started this year with a 23-14 record. They lead the NL West by a half game over the San Diego Padres.