TOKYO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will sit out the team’s two exhibition games in Japan due to illness, manager Dave Roberts announced Saturday.
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Despite Betts’ absence, Roberts remains hopeful that the eight-time All-Star will recover in time for the Dodgers’ regular-season opener against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome. The team is set to face Japan’s Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers in exhibition matchups over the weekend.
According to Roberts, the 32-year-old Betts developed flu-like symptoms on the Dodgers’ final day in Arizona, but team doctors cleared him for the long journey to Japan.
“Mookie is here today, but he’s been really sick,” Roberts said. “He’s lost some weight, so we’re focusing on keeping him hydrated. He’ll do a light workout today, but he won’t play in either game.”
Roberts added that the team would reassess Betts’ condition on their scheduled off day before making a decision about his availability.
Betts is transitioning to a full-time shortstop role this season after previously playing in right field and at second base. The 2018 AL MVP batted .289 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs last season, playing a key role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory.
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