Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts During an exhibition match with NPB’s Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, manager Dave Roberts explained to journalists, including AP’s David Brandt, that Bates suffered from the disease. The 32-year-old suffered from flu-like symptoms before the club headed to Japan, but Roberts noted that he had been there “Really sick” Since the club arrived in Tokyo and started losing weight. As a result, Roberts expressed pessimism today to journalists (including Bill Prenkat of the Orange County Register) that Bates will face the Tokyo series against the Cubs later this week.
“I think we’re really trying to pay attention to the opening day and don’t want him to cause harm.” Roberts said, according to Prenkate. “He didn’t live in any of the games, did not play in any of the games, nor did he put him in a position where he could be hurt.”
Roberts said while Bates hasn’t been completely ruled out in the series yet, Bates said Bates will need to get into the club’s next workout and avoid the kind of fatigue he showed in today’s practice. Fortunately, there is no indication that Bates may miss the regular season game once the club returns to the United States, with the Dodgers planning to play against the Tigers on March 27.
Losing a player at any time is a big blow. The eight-time All-Star is among the most talented players in the sport and has slashed an excellent .284/.372/.530 (147 wRC+) since being traded to LA back in 2020. After playing right field nearly exclusively during his days with the Red Sox, Betts has seen increasingly frequent time on the infield dirty over his years with the Dodgers and enters the 2025 season as the club’s starting shortstop after splitting time between right in recent years, fields, shortstops and second base.
The lost season in the Tokyo Series could result in a more obvious roster in the club’s two games than an average injury. The Dodgers’ 31-man travel lineup is relatively light in full-time infield games, especially afterwards Hyeseong Kim Minors were selected last week before the club traveled to Japan. If Betts ends missing these games, Tommy Edman Numbers sliding from the center field to the inward field Miguel Rojas In the middle.
That will open the center for young people Andy’s Pagehe released a solid rookie season for the Dodgers last year but was squeezed out of the roster due to the club’s signing Michael Conforto This winter. Practical man Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor During this series, it is also possible to consider in second base or midfield in some capacity, especially Hernandez may see the time. Bears plan to start left-handed shota imanaga and Justin Steele During the Tokyo series, Hernandez has performed well against the South Paw throughout his career.
