Dodgers star Mookie Betts returns to US to recuperate from illness, will miss 2 games in Japan
TOKYO (AP) – Shortstop Mookie Betts has returned to Los Angeles to continue recovering from an illness that will cause him to miss the Dodgers’ first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome.
Manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that the eight-time All-Star wouldn’t play against the Chicago Cubs because of an unspecified illness that’s caused him to lose nearly 15 pounds. The 2018 AL Most Valuable Player is feeling better, but Roberts said Betts needed to return home and recuperate ahead of the team’s domestic opener on March 27.
“Mookie flew home early evening, late afternoon yesterday and arrived safely,” Roberts said. “It just made the most sense for him to get back to a regular routine. That’s kind of where we’re at and we all support it.”
The Cubs and Dodgers open the Major League Baseball season on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome. A second game is on Wednesday.
Miguel Rojas is in the starting lineup at shortstop for Tuesday’s game.
Betts started to feel sick the day before the team left for Japan but the shortstop still made the trip. He went through a workout on Sunday but quickly became tired.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts walks onto the field before an MLB Japan Series exhibition baseball game against the Hanshin Tigers, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Betts is making the full-time transition to shortstop this season after playing most of his career in right field and second base. The 2018 AL MVP hit .289 with 19 homers and 75 RBIs last season, helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
MLB games today: Cubs vs Dodgers in Tokyo Series today
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MLB games today: October 30
There is one MLB game today. The MLB schedule starts on Tuesday with the Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tokyo Series. You can watch the Cubs vs Dodgers game today on FOX, the Marquee Sports Network SportsNet LA or stream it on MLB.TV. First pitch for the Cubs vs Dodgers game is at 3:10 AM PT/6:10 PM ET.
What network has Major League Baseball tonight?
There are no MLB games tonight.
Where can I watch the MLB Tokyo Series?
You can watch the MLB Tokyo Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs on FOX.
What MLB games are on tomorrow?
Game 2 of the Tokyo Series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers is on tomorrow morning.
Who is playing on Sunday Night Baseball?
There is no scheduled Sunday Night Baseball game this week.
