Dodgers' Mookie Betts Will Miss Tokyo Series vs. Cubs with Lingering Illness

Mookie Betts, one of baseball's brightest stars, will sit out the Los Angeles Dodgers' Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to a lingering illness. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared the update on Sunday night.

Although Betts is reportedly feeling a bit better, Roberts revealed the eight-time All-Star has lost nearly 15 pounds and is still working to rehydrate and regain his strength. In a proactive move, Betts might return to the United States earlier than the team to rest and prepare for their domestic opener on March 27. Honestly, losing 15 pounds that quickly sounds more like a crash diet gone horribly wrong than a flu.

The Cubs and Dodgers are slated to kick off the MLB season at the Tokyo Dome, with games scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. "He's not going to play in these two games," Roberts confirmed, emphasizing concerns about soft tissue injuries that could arise from dehydration.

To fill the gap left by Betts, Miguel Rojas will take over at shortstop during the Tokyo series. Betts attempted a light workout on Sunday but was quickly overcome by fatigue. He reportedly started experiencing flu-like symptoms in Arizona, just a day before the team departed for Japan. Despite his efforts to join the squad overseas, recovery hasn’t been as swift as hoped.

This season marks a significant transition for Betts, as he moves into a full-time role at shortstop—a shift from his usual spots at right field and second base. His performance last season was stellar, batting .289 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs, which played a key role in helping the Dodgers clinch another World Series title.

Dodgers fans will undoubtedly miss his presence in Tokyo, but all eyes are now on March 27, when Betts is expected to be back in action. Get well soon, Mookie, because baseball without you feels a little less electric.