The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a patient, long-term approach with superstar Mookie Betts as he recovers from an oblique strain. While Wednesday marked his first day of eligibility to return from the injured list, the team is in no rush to bring their leadoff hitter and shortstop back into the lineup.

Manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Betts's progress, noting the former MVP is moving well and has resumed throwing and light stretching. "I'm not sure when he's going to start swinging the bat," Roberts said. "But in talking to him, he doesn't feel any symptoms."

Betts, who suffered the injury on April 4th while running the bases, explained the nuanced nature of his recovery. He told Dodger Talk that while daily activities are pain-free, he can still feel the strain during sport-specific movements. "It's not that it hurts. It's just you feel it," Betts said, emphasizing the risk of re-injury with any premature, explosive action.

His current rehab is a careful, step-by-step process. He has been on the field throwing and performing rotational work with medicine balls but has yet to take a swing in the batter's box. "We want to get fully comfortable with throwing the med ball... before we start swinging," Betts stated, highlighting the importance of avoiding the development of bad habits born from hesitation or fear.

This cautious strategy means there is no firm timetable for Betts's return or for a potential minor league rehab assignment. The Dodgers have precedent for this patience; last season, Betts returned from a broken hand after 11 weeks without any rehab games. For now, the focus remains on ensuring one of baseball's most dynamic players is at 100% before he steps back into the box, a priority that underscores the marathon nature of the MLB season.