The Los Angeles Dodgers' MVP trio finally came together to complete their spring training.

The Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 in the final game of the Freeway Series held on the 26th (Korean time) at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.

This was a significant game for the Dodgers ahead of the season opener. The MVP trio finished the spring training together. Ohtani Shohei has been preparing healthily for the Tokyo opener series and the mainland opener. However, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman missed the Tokyo opener series due to injuries.

Freeman missed the starting lineup due to a left rib injury before the Tokyo opener series. Instead, he returned to action in the Freeway Series, starting in all three games.

The problem was Betts. Betts suffered from gastroenteritis ahead of the Tokyo Series. They waited for his condition to improve, but it only worsened. Even after returning from Tokyo, he continued to experience dehydration and eventually lost about 20 pounds (approximately 9 kg). He looked emaciated after a month. He was also pulled from the lineup just before the game against the Angels on the 24th.

On the 26th, Betts returned to the starting lineup as the number two shortstop, stating, "I’m feeling good now. I feel great and normal," and added, "It felt like my body was eating itself. It was really tough because I couldn’t properly take in nutrients. I literally vomited every time I ate. I didn’t know what to do," while mentioning the recent frustrating situation he had been in.

On that day, Betts handled all batting and defense healthily. He finished with no hits in three at-bats but managed to handle the defense well. In the first inning, he grounded out to third base, and in the third inning with one out and a runner on second, he flew out to the first baseman. In his third at-bat in the sixth inning, he grounded out to second base.

After the game on the 26th, Betts told local media outlets such as SportsNet LA, "I think I just need a few at-bats to get the feel back. I’m completely fine. There isn’t anything else," while adding, "I just wanted to play baseball. Honestly, I don’t know how many days I’ve been resting. I just want to get back on the field and regain my rhythm. There isn’t much time left, but it can’t be helped," he laughed.

He emphasized again that it was difficult to consume food. He laughed, saying, "My body actually feels somewhat stronger. The problem was really just the stomach. Everything else was completely fine. I kept exercising and everything else was digested normally. It was just difficult to consume food. Now I’m fine and I’m excited to play again."

Still, it takes time to regain his original condition. However, he was confident. He said, "I’ve never had this experience before, so I don’t know well. Taking medication helped. Now I think I know what I need to avoid, and I’ve gotten better by avoiding it," stressing, "As long as I’ve played in today’s game and set foot on the field, I’m fully prepared for the game."

Regarding what he needs to avoid, he stated, "I'll keep it a secret."

With the MVP lineup of Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman in action, the Dodgers felt relieved ahead of the mainland opener. The game ended with the Dodgers winning 4-1. Ohtani finished the spring training with one hit in two at-bats, including a double. Starting pitcher Dustin May completed five innings, allowing one hit, two walks, striking out six while giving up one run, preparing for a healthy season.

The Dodgers will play their home opener against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on the 28th.

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