Dodgers’ Betts Ill in Japan; Roberts Optimistic for Opener

TOKYO — Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star shortstop, will miss the team’s scheduled exhibition games in Japan due to illness, according to manager Dave Roberts on Saturday.

Roberts remains optimistic that Betts will recover in time for the Dodgers’ regular season opener against the Chicago Cubs, scheduled for Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome. The Dodgers are set to face off against two Japanese teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers, in exhibition matches over the weekend.

The 32-year-old Betts began experiencing symptoms reminiscent of the flu during the team’s last day of practice in Arizona. Despite this, team physicians deemed him fit to travel to Japan. “Mookie is here, but he’s been really unwell,” Roberts commented. “He’s lost some weight, so our focus is on keeping him hydrated. While he’ll do a light workout today, he won’t be participating in games tonight or tomorrow.”

Roberts is hopeful that with the upcoming rest day, followed by a workout session, they will be better able to assess Betts’ condition. Betts is transitioning to a full-time role as a shortstop this season, having spent much of his career in right field and at second base. Last season, as the 2018 AL MVP, Betts achieved a .289 batting average, alongside 19 home runs and 75 RBIs, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ World Series victory.