The Dodgers are taking a cautious approach with Mookie Betts as he works his way back from an oblique strain, sitting him out of Thursday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants.

Manager Dave Roberts confirmed before Wednesday's game that Betts felt good enough to play that night, but four consecutive games would be pushing it too soon. "Talking to Mookie and saying he felt really good, I'm not going to just sit him down," Roberts explained. "Going three in a row isn't really pushing him, considering how he feels, and he'll be down tomorrow."

The decision to rest Betts on Wednesday was also influenced by Shohei Ohtani's pitching duties that day, which kept him out of the lineup as a hitter. It's a reminder of how the Dodgers are balancing star power with recovery—a delicate dance for any team with championship aspirations.

While Betts' return has been a welcome sight, it hasn't solved the Dodgers' broader hitting struggles. Even the biggest stars are grinding through tough stretches at the plate. Betts addressed the slump directly before Tuesday's game, delivering a message that resonates beyond the lineup card: "I know I'm not the hero. It's going to take us all."

"We're going to go through our ups and downs," he added. "It's important for everyone to know it's going to take all of us and not just one guy getting through their struggles."

So far this season, Betts has missed significant time due to injury, and his numbers reflect the rust. In 10 games, he's hitting .162/.244/.351 with two home runs and seven RBIs. But for a player of his caliber—an MVP, perennial All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger—it's only a matter of time before the swing clicks back into place.

Before the oblique injury, Betts was showing signs of heating up, homering the day before he went down. While he's just 1-for-9 in his two games back, the Dodgers are prioritizing long-term health over short-term results. For fans and fantasy owners alike, patience is the play here—Mookie Betts is too talented to stay quiet for long.