Dodgers famous person Mookie Betts was held out of the membership’s exhibition video games towards NPB’s Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, and supervisor Dave Roberts defined to reporters (together with David Brandt of the Related 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 losing a few pounds. In consequence, Roberts expressed pessimism to reporters (together with Invoice Plunkett of the Orange County Register) Sunday that Betts could be obtainable for the Tokyo Sequence towards the Cubs later this week.
“I feel that we’re actually attempting to be aware of not simply Opening Day however not placing him in hurt’s means,” Roberts mentioned, in line with Plunkett. “He hasn’t taken stay at-bats or performed in any video games and to not put him ready the place he doubtlessly may get damage.”
Whereas Betts hasn’t been utterly dominated out for the collection, Roberts mentioned Betts would want to come back into the membership’s subsequent exercise feeling robust and keep away from the kind of fatigue he confirmed throughout Sunday’s observe. Fortuitously, 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 dwelling opener towards the Tigers on March 27.
Shedding a participant of Betts’s caliber for any period of time is a big blow. The eight-time All-Star is among the many most proficient 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 subject almost completely throughout his days with the Purple 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 subject, shortstop and second base lately.
The lack of Betts for the Tokyo Sequence is more likely to trigger a extra vital 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 subject again onto the infield to pair with Miguel Rojas up the center.
That will open middle subject 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 subject in some capability in the course of the collection, with Hernandez specifically a possible candidate to see time. The Cubs are slated to start out left-handers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele in the course of the Tokyo Sequence, and Hernandez has excelled towards southpaws all through his profession.
