Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs as he recovers from an illness that has sidelined him for over a week.
Manager Dave Roberts reported Monday that while Betts is starting to feel better, he has lost nearly 15 pounds and is working on rehydration and regaining strength. To expedite his recovery, the eight-time All-Star might return to the United States ahead of the team to prepare for the domestic opener on March 27.
The Dodgers and Cubs are set to open the Major League Baseball season on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome, with a second game on Wednesday.
“He’s not going to play in these two games,” Roberts said. “When you’re dehydrated, that’s what opens a person up to soft tissue injuries. We’re very mindful of that.”
In Betts’ absence, veteran Miguel Rojas will start at shortstop for the two games at the Tokyo Dome.
Before falling ill, Betts participated in 11 Spring Training games, recording a .240 batting average with one home run and three RBIs. Notably, he hit his first Spring Training home run on March 4, sending a shot to left-center field.
Despite this setback, Betts remains a key player for the Dodgers. Recently, he was ranked the No. 5 player in MLB’s 2025 Top 100 Players Right Now. Fans are hopeful for his swift recovery and return to the lineup.