Markus Betts: Everything you need to know

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Betts (oblique) is on track to face live pitching in a simulated game Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. If Betts experiences no setbacks with his strained right oblique during the upcoming workout, Roberts suggested that it could be the final step before the 33-year-old heads out on a rehab assignment. Because he's been on the shelf since April 5, Betts will likely need at least a couple of games in the minors to regain his timing at the plate. Once he's deemed ready to return from the 10-day injured list, Betts should settle back in as the Dodgers' everyday shortstop, resulting in Hyeseong Kim fading into more of a utility role.

Betts (oblique) is focusing on increasing his swing speed and is getting closer to kicking off a minor-league rehab assignment, MLB.com reports. Betts has been stuck on the injured list since April 5 due to a right oblique strain. He had a brief setback in late April but seems to be back on track. Though he'll need some time in the minors to knock off rust before he's activated, Betts could still be back with the big-league club before the middle of May.

Betts said Wednesday that he recently resumed hitting in the batting cage after he was briefly shut down from the activity when he experienced soreness in his right oblique while taking batting practice on the field, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. Betts feels that he's "turned a corner," so the setback seems to have been a minor one. He hopes to try taking batting practice on the field again soon. Betts had been aiming to begin a rehab assignment as soon as this weekend, but that could be delayed a bit. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since early April.