Dodgers celebrity Mookie Betts was held out of the membership’s exhibition video games in opposition to NPB’s Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, and supervisor Dave Roberts defined to reporters (together with David Brandt of the Associated Press) that Betts was affected by an sickness. The 32-year-old was affected by flu-like signs previous to the membership’s journey to Japan, however Roberts famous that he’s been “actually sick” for the reason that membership arrived in Tokyo and has began shedding weight. In consequence, Roberts expressed pessimism to reporters (together with Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register) Sunday that Betts can be accessible for the Tokyo Sequence in opposition to the Cubs later this week.
“I believe that we’re actually making an attempt to be aware of not simply Opening Day however not placing him in hurt’s approach,” Roberts stated, based on Plunkett. “He hasn’t taken stay at-bats or performed in any video games and to not put him able the place he doubtlessly may get harm.”
Whereas Betts hasn’t been utterly dominated out for the sequence, Roberts stated Betts would wish to come back into the membership’s subsequent exercise feeling sturdy and keep away from the kind of fatigue he confirmed throughout Sunday’s observe. Luckily, there’s been no indication thus far that Betts is more likely to miss regular-season video games as soon as the membership returns stateside, the place the Dodgers are slated to play their house opener in opposition to the Tigers on March 27.
Shedding a participant of Betts’s caliber for any period of time is a major blow. The eight-time All-Star is among the many most gifted gamers within the sport and has slashed a wonderful .284/.372/.530 (147 wRC+) since being traded to L.A. again in 2020. After enjoying proper area almost completely throughout his days with the Crimson Sox, Betts has seen more and more frequent time on the infield dust over his years with the Dodgers and enters the 2025 season because the membership’s beginning shortstop after splitting time between proper area, shortstop and second base lately.
The lack of Betts for the Tokyo Sequence is more likely to trigger a extra important shuffle within the membership’s lineup card for these two video games than the common damage would. The Dodgers’ 31-man journey roster is comparatively gentle on full-time infielders, significantly after Hyeseong Kim was optioned to the minors final week forward of the membership’s journey to Japan. If Betts winds up lacking these video games, Tommy Edman figures to slip from middle area again onto the infield to pair with Miguel Rojas up the center.
That may open middle area up for teenager Andy Pages, who posted a strong rookie season for the Dodgers final yr however was squeezed out of the lineup by the membership’s signing of Michael Conforto this winter. Utility males Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor may additionally think about both at second base or in middle area in some capability throughout the sequence, with Hernandez specifically a probable candidate to see time. The Cubs are slated to start out left-handers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele throughout the Tokyo Sequence, and Hernandez has excelled in opposition to southpaws all through his profession.
