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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke on Mookie Betts’ back injury that resulted in him leaving Saturday’s game early.
Betts, suddenly in the bottom of the first inning, left the game and Miguel Rojas took his place at shortstop.
It has happened quietly as Betts managed to run the bases in the first inning, then Rojas was out on the field with no word of what happened to Betts.
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He worked a quality against Jake Irvin at the plate, drawing a walk. Freddie Freeman then blasted home a double that scored Betts.
Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
As he ran the bases, per Roberts, Betts picked up the injury. “He felt it as he was running,” Roberts said.
Betts is set for an MRI soon, though he will likely not play against the Nationals in the series closer. Roberts did quell concerns over it being serious, saying it was “certainly more moderate than significant.”
The All-Star was just getting his footing back as a hitter following a tumultuous 2025 season. He was only hitting .179 to start the year, but he had two home runs, RBIs, and was taking quality at-bats.
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“Any time you miss, it’s going to take some time to kind of get your footing,” Roberts said.
“Disappointed for him because we were sort of starting to get going a little bit, and the way he’s playing defense, and he’s a big part of what we do.”
Mookie Betts replacements
Betts is all but impossible to replace. He is a leader on and off the field, with a positive attitude about everything he does.
Alex Freeland was receiving mentorship from Betts, similar to what Miguel Rojas did for the right fielder-turned-shortstop. Additionally, Tommy Edman and Kike Hernandez, two players who would, in theory, replace Betts full-time at shortstop, are on the injured list.
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This creates a chance for the Dodgers to give Santiago Espinal an extended regular-season look, along with aiding Hyeseong Kim’s odds of getting a call-up from the minor leagues.
In the short term, for the series finale against the Nationals, Freeland and Miguel Rojas can both fit in, along with Espinal. The MRI will ultimately determine if Betts goes on the injured list or if someone else gets a roster spot call-up.
