The Los Angeles Dodgers' starting shortstop Mookie Betts (33) is struggling to recover.
Betts was listed as the No. 2 hitter and shortstop in the lineup for the 2025 Major League Baseball exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on the 24th (Korean time), but he suddenly pulled out before the game. Tommy Edman moved up in the batting order from eighth to second, while Miguel Rojas entered the eighth position as the shortstop, adjusting the Dodgers' lineup.
First baseman Freddie Freeman, who missed the two opening games of the Tokyo Series on the 18th and 19th due to left rib pain, returned as the No. 3 hitter and first baseman, but Betts' absence raised concerns for the Dodgers. There is uncertainty about his participation in the home opener against the Detroit Tigers on the 28th at Dodger Stadium.
Betts last played on the 10th against the Athletics and subsequently missed two exhibition games and the Tokyo Series. He had been experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis before heading to Japan, and his condition worsened after the long flight to Tokyo. Initially, it seemed he could recover in a day or two, but he suffered dehydration and lost 7 kg.
He could not participate in practice games against Japanese teams before the Tokyo Series and did not receive proper training. Ultimately, he could not participate in the Tokyo Series and returned to the U.S. early. Manager Dave Roberts remarked, "I regret bringing Betts to Japan." After returning to the U.S. and recovering, Betts prepared for the exhibition game that day, but once again, he was suddenly absent from the lineup, raising questions.
Since Betts will be the full-time starting shortstop this year, the Dodgers cannot help but be concerned about his physical condition. Before his condition declined, Betts recorded a .240 batting average in 11 exhibition games (25 at-bats, 6 hits), with 1 home run and 3 RBIs, and an OPS of .636. As a proven player, his exhibition batting results might not carry significant weight, but he showed remarkable stability as a shortstop, recording 51 innings without an error.
If Betts misses the home opener, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, who started as the shortstop in the Tokyo Series, is expected to fill the void. Utility players Edman, Kiké Hernandez, and Chris Taylor are also capable of playing shortstop, providing ample options to address immediate needs, but over the entire season, Betts' health will be crucial for the team's success.
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