The Los Angeles Dodgers won’t have one of their top players when they open the 2025 MLB season Tuesday in Japan.
Shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo due to an illness that’s caused him to lose 15 pounds, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Monday. Betts, an eight-time All-Star, has been battling an illness for the past week and although he’s feeling better, Roberts said he’s still trying to regain his strength.
‘He’s not going to play in these two games,’ Roberts said. ‘When you’re dehydrated, that’s what opens a person up to soft tissue injuries. We’re very mindful of that.’
Betts will likely return to the United States ahead of the rest of the Dodgers in order to rest up for the team’s stateside opener on March 27.
Veteran Miguel Rojas will most likely get the nod at shortstop for the games against the Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday in Tokyo.
Betts, 32, is entering his sixth season with the Dodgers. He hit .289 with 19 homers and 75 RBI in 116 games last season in leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.