The Dodgers face uncertainty as Mookie Betts battles illness ahead of their Tokyo Opening Series against the Cubs. With concerns about his health and transition to shortstop, the team must decide whether to rest him or risk playing him. Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes a long-term approach, while contingency plans include Miguel Rojas or Tommy Edman filling in. The Tokyo Series serves as MLB’s global showcase, making Betts’ potential absence significant. A final decision on his availability will be made during Monday’s workout.
Dodgers Star Mookie Betts Questionable for Tokyo Opening Series Against Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ highly anticipated 2025 season opener in Tokyo has hit a potential snag as superstar Mookie Betts battles health issues that may sideline him for the international showcase. With the MLB season set to begin across the Pacific, fans and team officials alike are monitoring the situation closely as the clock ticks down to first pitch against the Chicago Cubs.
Illness Sidelines Betts During Critical Preparation Period
The 32-year-old Betts has been dealing with an unspecified illness that forced him to miss the Dodgers’ final two Cactus League games before the team departed for Japan. While he did make the long journey with his teammates, his condition has reportedly not shown significant improvement, raising concerns about his availability for the season opener.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided a concerning update to reporters on Saturday, revealing that Betts continues to feel unwell and has “lost weight” during his bout with illness. The timing couldn’t be more problematic as the team prepares for their Tuesday, March 18th opener against the Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.
“We’re going to continue to monitor him day by day,” Roberts told assembled media members. “He’s not feeling great, and we need to be smart about this. Opening Day is important, but we’re thinking about the long haul.”
Roberts confirmed that Betts will not participate in either of the two exhibition games scheduled in Japan, further indicating the seriousness of his condition. The team plans to evaluate Betts during Monday’s off-day workout, just 24 hours before the season opener, to make a final determination about his availability.
Critical Decision Looms for Dodgers’ Management
The decision regarding Betts’ status carries extra weight given his importance to the Dodgers’ lineup and his new defensive role. The team must balance the prestige of the international opener against the long-term health of one of their cornerstone players.
“We won’t put him out there if he’s not ready,” Roberts emphasized. “There’s too much season ahead of us to risk making things worse. But we also know how badly he wants to be out there for the opener.”
Team doctors are working closely with Betts to address his illness and help him regain strength. The six-time All-Star has reportedly been able to maintain some light activity but remains significantly below his normal energy level. With the 162-game marathon season just beginning, caution appears to be the prevailing approach.
Betts’ New Role Adds Complexity to the Situation
What makes Betts’ potential absence particularly significant is his transition to shortstop this season. After establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier right fielders with six Gold Glove awards, Betts committed to a full-time move to the infield for 2025.
The position change wasn’t taken lightly. Betts initiated the conversation with Dodgers management during the offseason, believing the move would strengthen the team’s overall defensive alignment. The shift allows the Dodgers to maximize their outfield talent while addressing a need at shortstop.
“I’m doing this because I believe it gives us the best chance to win,” Betts explained during spring training. “I’ve always been willing to do whatever it takes to help my team succeed.”
The transition hasn’t been without challenges. Betts had briefly played shortstop last season with limited preparation time and experienced some growing pains. This spring, he’s been focused on reacquainting himself with the position he played as a young prospect before becoming an outfielder.
His defensive versatility has always been one of his greatest assets, but shortstop represents his most challenging assignment yet. The position demands quick reactions, strong arm accuracy, and exceptional range – all areas Betts has been working diligently to refine throughout spring training.
Missing the season opener would delay his official debut at the position and potentially disrupt the rhythm he’s been building. Additionally, the Tokyo Dome’s artificial turf presents a different playing surface than he would typically encounter, adding another variable to the equation.
Contingency Plans if Betts Can’t Play
The Dodgers, accustomed to navigating injuries to key players in recent seasons, have prepared contingency plans should Betts be unavailable for the Tokyo series.
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas represents the most straightforward replacement at shortstop. The 36-year-old Rojas has been a reliable defensive presence throughout his career and could step in seamlessly. This would allow the Dodgers to maintain their planned lineup configuration with minimal disruption.
Alternatively, newly acquired Tommy Edman could shift from second base to shortstop, opening a spot for utility man Kiké Hernández at second base. This option gives the Dodgers similar defensive stability while potentially adding more offensive firepower.
“We have multiple guys who can play different positions,” Roberts noted. “That’s been a strength of our team for years now. If Mookie needs another day or two, we’ll adapt and be ready.”
The Tokyo Series: Baseball’s International Showcase
The uncertainty surrounding Betts adds an unexpected wrinkle to MLB’s showcase event in Japan. The two-game series between the Dodgers and Cubs on March 18-19 represents baseball’s continued efforts to grow the game globally, particularly in Japan where baseball enjoys immense popularity.
The games mark the first regular-season MLB contests in Tokyo since 2019 and feature two of the league’s most storied franchises. Japanese baseball fans have been eagerly anticipating seeing stars like Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman in person, making any potential absence particularly disappointing for the local audience.
MLB has invested significantly in marketing the games, with Betts featured prominently in promotional materials. Television broadcasts are planned for prime time in Japan, which translates to early morning viewing for fans back in the United States.
Looking Ahead: The Long Season Perspective
While the possibility of missing Betts for the Tokyo opener is concerning, the Dodgers maintain perspective on the situation. With championship aspirations and a grueling 162-game schedule ahead, ensuring Betts returns to full health takes priority over any single game.
“We’re playing the long game here,” Roberts said. “Having Mookie healthy for the bulk of the season is what matters most.”
The Dodgers return to the United States following the Tokyo series for additional exhibition games before resuming regular-season play stateside. This schedule provides Betts additional recovery time if needed without missing significant game action.
As Monday’s workout approaches, all eyes will be on Betts and his participation level. His availability for the internationally-televised opener remains in question, but the Dodgers’ championship aspirations extend far beyond these two games in Tokyo. The team’s medical staff, management, and Betts himself will make the prudent decision with the entire season in mind.
In the meantime, Dodgers fans around the world hold their collective breath, hoping their versatile star recovers quickly enough to take the field in Tokyo as the 2025 MLB season officially begins.
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts May Miss Tokyo Series vs Cubs
