Mookie Betts is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Monday against the San Francisco Giants after several weeks out. His return is expected to stabilize the team's offense and infield defense.
Key points
Mookie Betts is returning to the Dodgers lineup
Return is scheduled for Monday against the Giants
His absence lasted several weeks
Betts' return will stabilize the Dodgers' offense
He provides stability to the infield defense
Mentioned in this story
Los Angeles
Mookie BettsLos Angeles DodgersSan Francisco Giants
#50 Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs back to the dugout during an MLB baseball game against the Arizona Diamonbacks on August 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
LOS ANGELES â The Dodgers are about to get a familiar spark back at exactly the right time.
After missing the last several weeks, Mookie Betts is officially on his way back to Los Angeles and is expected to return to the lineup Monday night against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, Dave Roberts confirmed Sunday morning.
For a club that has weathered injuries, lineup inconsistency and a relentless early schedule, the return of Betts represents more than simply adding another bat. It restores structure to the Dodgersâ offense and stability to the infield defense, even if the numbers before his injury hardly resembled the MVP-caliber production fans have grown accustomed to seeing.
Betts heads back after a brief two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles. The sample size was small, but the Dodgers saw what they needed: healthy at-bats, mobility at shortstop and no physical setbacks.
Now comes the bigger question, how quickly can Betts help reestablish rhythm for a team trying to keep pace in a brutally competitive National League race?
The timing could hardly be better.
The Dodgers finish a heavyweight weekend series Sunday against the Atlanta Braves before immediately turning their attention to the Giants. Getting Betts back ahead of a divisional showdown instantly changes the complexion of the lineup, regardless of whether Roberts pencils him into the No. 2 or No. 3 spot.
Q&A
When is Mookie Betts returning to the Dodgers?
Mookie Betts is expected to return to the Dodgers lineup on Monday night.
Who are the Dodgers playing when Mookie Betts returns?
The Dodgers will be playing against the San Francisco Giants when Mookie Betts returns.
What impact will Mookie Betts' return have on the Dodgers?
His return is expected to restore structure to the Dodgers' offense and stability to the infield defense.
Why has Mookie Betts been out of the lineup?
Mookie Betts has been out of the lineup for several weeks due to an unspecified injury.
Related Articles
Tennis·Feature
Taking a leap of faith is nothing new for BYUâs Gracie Levelston
Gracie Levelston reflects on her surprising journey to play tennis for BYU.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Media analyst: Streamers would need to offer NFL âastronomicalâ rights fee for league to move off broadcast
NFL's media rights negotiations are uncertain as federal scrutiny increases.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MMA·Feature
UFC legend and beloved staffer set to join UFC Hall of Fame
UFC legend Chris Weidman set for Hall of Fame induction this July!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Lamine Yamal surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford wins La Liga before Kylian Mbappe and the best Clasico stats
Barcelona defeats Real Madrid 2-0 to win La Liga; Yamal surpasses Ronaldo!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MMA·Recap
Matches To Make After UFC 328
UFC 328 recap: Strickland upsets Chimaev, Van wins by TKO
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Steelers' Mike McCarthy offers intriguing Drew Allar scouting report
Steelers' Mike McCarthy shares insights on rookie Drew Allar's potential.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Roberts admitted Sunday that the exact batting order remains undecided, though he indicated Betts will likely hit either second or third. More importantly, the Dodgers finally regain one of baseballâs premier table-setters, a player capable of changing a game with one swing, one sprint or one defensive gem.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Mookie Betts (50) before the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday August 11th, 2025 at Angel's Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Mookie Betts (50) before the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday August 11th, 2025 at Angel's Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
Paige Creason - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Mookie Betts (50) before the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels Monday August 11th, 2025 at Angel's Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.
Even with Betts hitting just .179 through his first eight games this season, the Dodgers never viewed the early struggles as alarming. The sample was tiny, and Betts still managed two home runs and seven RBIs before going down. His track record leaves little doubt the production will normalize.
The more immediate ripple effect may come on the roster itself.
Bettsâ return forces the Dodgers into a difficult conversation regarding their bench and infield depth. Roberts acknowledged as much Sunday, calling the impending roster decision a challenging one.
Kim has flashed athleticism and defensive versatility. Freeland offers developmental upside and organizational familiarity. Espinal provides veteran reliability and positional flexibility. The Dodgers value all three attributes, particularly during the grind of a six-month season.
But Betts changes the math.
The Los Angeles Dodgers short stop Mookie Betts (50) at bat during a Spring Training Game against The Los Angeles Angels, March 22nd, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
The Los Angeles Dodgers short stop Mookie Betts (50) at bat during a Spring Training Game against The Los Angeles Angels, March 22nd, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
Jon Bryan - The Sporting Tribune
The Los Angeles Dodgers short stop Mookie Betts (50) at bat during a Spring Training Game against The Los Angeles Angels, March 22nd, 2026 in Anaheim, California.
When healthy, he is not coming back to platoon or ease into a reserve role. He is returning to play shortstop regularly and anchor the top of the order. Roberts already mapped out the immediate plan: Betts is expected to start Monday and Tuesday before receiving Wednesday off, then play two of three games next weekend in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels.
That measured approach reflects both caution and confidence. The Dodgers are clearly mindful of managing Bettsâ workload, but they also believe he is ready to resume being an everyday presence.
And for a team with championship expectations, that matters immensely.
The Dodgers do not need Betts to hit .179. They need the version that controls games, lengthens the lineup and elevates everyone around him. Even before he fully rediscovers his timing at the plate, his return injects energy into a clubhouse that understands exactly how much different it looks with No. 50 back on the field.
Monday night at Dodger Stadium will feel a little more normal again.