Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is ill, and will not play in the season-opening series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said they might send the perennial All-Star home early to recuperate. The Dodgers, who will play two games in Japan starting on Tuesday, are seeking to be the first back-to-back World Series Champions in 25 years.
Betts sat out of the two exhibition games in hopes of aiding his recovery, but he became lightheaded when he took ground balls in a workout. He walked gingerly off the field a short time later.
Per Dave Roberts — Mookie Betts will not play in either game v Cubs. #Dodgers “contemplating” sending him home early
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 17, 2025
Mookie Betts to Miss Tokyo Series for Dodgers
On the Mend
Betts has lost close to 15 pounds during this illness, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times further reports, but he has felt better in recent days. However, the Dodgers say there is a risk of a soft-tissue injury for the shortstop, and they would rather not put his recuperation in jeopardy. They are optimistic that he will be ready for the home opener when the rest of the team returns to Los Angeles.
Who Will Take Mookie’s Place?
The Dodgers pride themselves on versatility, and it will be tested early. However, they will turn to a reliable substitute. Miguel Rojas will fill in while the Dodgers await Betts’ return. The Cubs will be featuring two left-handers in the brief series, so it seems a fitting matchup for the veteran right-hand hitter, who had a career year last season before dealing with multiple injuries. These injuries were surgically repaired this winter, and Rojas will serve as the backup infielder in 2025.
Irreplaceable
The Dodgers hope that Mookie’s absence will be as brief as possible. It’s hard to replace an eight-time All-Star. And his three World Series rings speak for themselves.
Photo Credit: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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