Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will sit out two exhibition games in Japan due to illness, manager Dave Roberts announced on Saturday. Despite starting to feel flu-like symptoms during the team’s Arizona trip, doctors cleared him for the long journey to Japan.
However, Roberts stated that Betts is still hopeful to be available for the Dodgers’ first regular-season game against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday. The 32-year-old star has been struggling with illness, losing weight and requiring hydration.
Betts is making a full transition to shortstop this season after playing mostly in right field and second base throughout his career. Last season, he hit .289 with 19 homers and 75 RBIs, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series win in 2018.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44260871/dodgers-mookie-betts-miss-japan-games-illness