The Los Angeles Dodgers are three days removed from Mookie Betts suffering a right oblique strain and although that type of injury is plenty of reason for concern, optimism is abound.
“I feel great. I honestly don’t really even notice that it hurts,” Betts said on SportsNet LA before the Dodgers faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the series opener at Rogers Centre. “I have to do certain movements, but it’s very specific movements. I think we’re in a much better spot than originally anticipated.”
It marked a second consecutive game he missed due to being put on the 10-day injured list. That came the morning after Betts was taken out in the bottom of the first inning on Saturday.
Betts added he’s already able to run and play catch but isn’t yet swinging. “I feel pretty normal,” he said.
Betts’ comments echo a sentiment Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared when discussing the injury. Roberts’ hopeful tone was founded from a conversation he had with Betts on Sunday morning.
The four-time World Series champion is looking to find a balance between moving along with the recovery process and not putting himself at risk for a setback.
“Just depending on how it’s feeling day to day,” answered Betts when asked if there’s a schedule to increase his level of activity. “But I mean from Day 1, which I guess was two days ago, to now, I’m light years ahead of where I thought I was going to be. So we’re in a good spot.”
Aiding the 33-year-old in navigating the situation is prior experience with a left oblique strain suffered during the 2018 season. That occurred on a swing in the batting cage, unlike his current injury being sustained while running the bases.
“I knew that one was much worse than this” Betts said. “I just took off running. I’m not sure how or what happened. The day was normal, everything was normal, so I have no idea.”
Possible Mookie Betts timeline for return
Betts further noted his current oblique strain is “much less severe” when compared to his 2018 injury. In that instance he was put on the injured list July 1 (retroactive to May 29) and returned July 11.
“No, I don’t,” Betts answered when asked if he has a timeline for his return this season. “Just as fast as possible. But obviously I know I need to be smart. Obliques can kind of linger around. Be smart about it, but I’m not trying to take my time or anything. I want to play.”
Roberts previously said he anticipated a return before the typical recovery of four to six weeks for an oblique strain.
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