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 Associated 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. Because of this, Roberts expressed pessimism to reporters (together with Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register) Sunday that Betts could be accessible for the Tokyo Collection 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 approach,” Roberts mentioned, in line with Plunkett. “He hasn’t taken reside at-bats or performed in any video games and to not put him ready the place he doubtlessly might get damage.”
Whereas Betts hasn’t been utterly dominated out for the sequence, Roberts mentioned Betts would want to come back into the membership’s subsequent exercise feeling sturdy and keep away from the form of fatigue he confirmed throughout Sunday’s apply. Happily, 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.
Dropping a participant of Betts’s caliber for any period of time is a major blow. The eight-time All-Star is among the many most gifted 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 area practically solely throughout his days with the Pink Sox, Betts has seen more and more frequent time on the infield grime over his years with the Dodgers and enters the 2025 season because the membership’s beginning shortstop after splitting time between proper area, shortstop and second base in recent times.
The lack of Betts for the Tokyo Collection is more likely to trigger a extra important shuffle within the membership’s lineup card for these two video games than the typical harm 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 area again onto the infield to pair with Miguel Rojas up the center.
That will open middle area up for teen Andy Pages, who posted a strong rookie season for the Dodgers final 12 months however was squeezed out of the lineup by the membership’s signing of Michael Conforto this winter. Utility males Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor might additionally think about both at second base or in middle area in some capability in the course of the sequence, with Hernandez specifically a possible candidate to see time. The Cubs are slated to begin left-handers Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele in the course of the Tokyo Collection, and Hernandez has excelled towards southpaws all through his profession.
