Abruptly, after scoring at the top of the first inning, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts left Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Betts drew a competitive walk against the Jake Irvin of the Nationals, and he was scored by a hard-hit Freddie Freeman double.
Everything seemed fine for Betts, who ran from first to home, but there was seemingly an injury that developed during his base running.
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After the top of the first, for the Dodgers’ first defensive outing, he did not come out, and it was Miguel Rojas who instead appeared at shortstop.
Apr 3, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
There was no reason given at the time of his exit, but the Dodgers later said it was right lower back pain, per a post on X.
During the Sportsnet LA broadcast, reporter Kirsten Watson said that Betts was walking a bit slowly after touching home plate and heading to the dugout.
The Dodgers will be providing more information after the game, according to Watson.
Mookie Betts’ improved start to the season
Betts hit a home run in the first game of the road series against the Nationals, showing his reformed hitting that he touted over the offseason. He suffered an illness in 2025 to start, and it caused a loss of weight and, seemingly, a loss in power as well.
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He had a career-worst offensive season in 2025, but he already has two home runs through seven games for the Dodgers, and he seems much more comfortable looking at pitches at the plate and taking an at-bat.
