The Los Angeles Dodgers are about to get a major boost, and the rest of the National League should be on high alert. Former MVP and World Series hero Mookie Betts is expected to return from the MLB injured list this week, following a month-long absence due to a right oblique strain. After completing a rehab assignment, Betts is heading back to Los Angeles and could be activated from the 10-day IL as early as today. For a team already dominating the NL West, this is a game-changer.
Betts has been sidelined since April 5, when the injury struck early in the season. In the limited games he played before landing on the IL, his performance was solid but fell short of the elite standards fans have come to expect from one of baseball's brightest stars. Still, the Dodgers remain fully confident that Betts will bounce back—and with good reason.
From 2019 to 2024, Betts was consistently among the league's top hitters, blending power, speed, and plate discipline. He played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' recent World Series run, delivering clutch moments that cemented his legacy. Even during a slightly down offensive season in 2025, he remained an above-average hitter while providing elite defense. The underlying numbers suggest he may have been unlucky last year, with a batting average on balls in play dipping well below his career norm. Advanced metrics indicate he deserved better results, which bodes well for a Dodgers lineup that's already firing on all cylinders.
What's truly scary for the rest of baseball? The Dodgers barely missed a beat without Betts. They've continued rolling, sitting atop the division with a 24–15 record. Youngsters and role players have stepped up, with Hyesong Kim impressing by hitting over .300 during Betts' absence. Once Betts returns, he'll slide back into shortstop, while Kim and Alex Freeland are expected to split time at second base. Utility man Miguel Rojas will shift to a backup role, adding even more depth to an already stacked roster.
The Dodgers are already one of baseball's best teams. Now they're about to welcome back a former MVP, a World Series hero, a leader, and one of the sport's most accomplished players. For the rest of MLB, that's a terrifying thought.