In Major League Baseball, early-season injuries are becoming a familiar concern. This time, the Los Angeles Dodgers have suffered a setback with a significant player.
Shortstop Mookie Betts exited Saturday’s game against the Nationals after crossing home plate on Freddie Freeman’s two-run double. As he made his way back to the dugout, manager Dave Roberts raised a question that hinted at serious issues.
The Dodgers later confirmed via X that Betts departed due to right low back pain. Miguel Rojas stepped in at shortstop as the competitive clash against the Nationals continued.
Mookie Betts left today’s game with right low back pain.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 4, 2026
Despite the injury setback, the Dodgers quickly rallied. Alex Freeland scored after Rojas belted a sacrifice fly into center field. Kyle Tucker and Shohei Ohtani followed, both reaching home after Freeman’s second double of the day.
Momentum surged further with Andy Pages, Will Smith, Max Muncy, and Alex Call all crossing home plate. Muncy and Smith added to the tally as Pages crushed a home run in the fifth inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 10-2—just a day after a dominating 13-6 victory.
Betts, who is currently in the midst of a 12-year, $365 million contract, has participated in seven games this season, recording 31 plate appearances with five hits, including a double and two home runs, contributing seven RBIs and scoring six runs.
Betts isn’t the only player to face injury this season. Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk left a game against the White Sox after a foul ball fractured his thumb. He is expected to be on the 10-day injured list while consulting with a hand specialist.
The Tigers also revealed that pitcher Justin Verlander will be sidelined for 15 days due to left hip inflammation. Moreover, the Mets lost outfielder Juan Soto during a game against the Giants with right calf tightness, and an MRI is scheduled to assess the extent of his injury.
