LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mookie Betts, the shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has returned to the city to recover from an illness and will miss the team’s first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome. Manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday that the eight-time All-Star would be sitting out against the Chicago Cubs due to an undisclosed illness that has led to a significant weight loss of almost 15 pounds. Although Betts is feeling better now, Roberts shared that it was necessary for him to head back home and recuperate in time for the team’s home opener on March 27.
“Mookie flew back home yesterday evening and has arrived safely,” Roberts stated. “It was the best decision for him to get back into his regular routine, and we fully support it.” The MLB season kicks off with the Cubs facing the Dodgers at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday, followed by a second game on Wednesday. Miguel Rojas will be taking Betts’ place at shortstop for Tuesday’s game.
Betts started feeling unwell the day before the team departed for Japan but still made the trip. Despite participating in a workout on Sunday, he quickly became fatigued. This season, Betts is transitioning to a full-time shortstop role after predominantly playing in right field and second base throughout his career. The 2018 AL MVP posted a .289 batting average with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs last season, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
(Reference: AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB)
