TOKYO – Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts will miss the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to an illness that has affected him for the last week.
Manager Dave Roberts shared on Monday that Betts is beginning to recover but has experienced significant weight loss, shedding nearly 15 pounds. He is currently focused on rehydrating and regaining his strength. Roberts mentioned that the eight-time All-Star might return to the United States ahead of the team to rest and prepare for the domestic season opener on March 27.
The Major League Baseball season kicks off with the Cubs and Dodgers on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome, followed by another game on Wednesday.
“He won’t be playing in these two games,” Roberts confirmed. “Dehydration can lead to soft tissue injuries, so we need to be cautious.”
In Betts’ absence, Miguel Rojas will step in at shortstop during the Tokyo Dome games.
Betts began experiencing flu-like symptoms while at the team’s spring training facility in Arizona, just before heading to Japan. He managed the long flight but has not bounced back as expected.
Roberts indicated that if they had anticipated the illness would persist, Betts would not have traveled to Japan. Despite attempting a workout on Sunday, Betts quickly became fatigued.
This season marks Betts’ transition to playing full-time shortstop after previously spending much of his career as a right fielder and second baseman. Last year, he boasted a .289 average with 19 homers and 75 RBIs, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
