Mookie Betts Scratched from Lineup Due to Ongoing Illness

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts was scratched from Sunday’s lineup against the Los Angeles Angels due to ongoing health issues, including repeated vomiting. This illness has plagued Betts since the Tokyo Series, where he was also sidelined.

“So looks like I’m just going to be light for a little bit,” Betts stated. “Maybe I play uphill a little bit for the beginning of the season. But I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, tired of just throwing up, tired of doing all this. I just really just want to play.”

Betts, who reported experiencing significant weight loss, has dropped nearly 15 pounds since becoming ill. He had originally traveled with the team to Japan but was sent home early to focus on recovery. Upon arriving at Camelback Ranch, he weighed just 150 pounds, down from his usual 175.

With his stomach issues preventing him from keeping solid food down, Betts has relied solely on smoothies for nutrition. Despite showing some progress in his recovery, he has yet to regain the ability to ingest regular food and has started new medication prescribed for his stomach irritation.

There is currently no certainty surrounding Betts’ availability for the Dodgers’ upcoming home opener against the Detroit Tigers.

In another roster adjustment, first baseman Freddie Freeman was also absent from the Opening Day lineup due to left rib discomfort, an injury connected to a previous postseason issue. Freeman had initially been included but was removed in light of the injury as doctors advised caution.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers’ medical advisor, highlighted the importance of not compromising players’ health at the beginning of the season. “This time of the year is the worst time of the year to take a chance with somebody that has something…if you’re wrong and too aggressive, they lose six or eight weeks,” ElAttrache explained.

ElAttrache emphasized that dehydration, which Betts has also faced, could lead to muscle strains, potentially sidelining him or Freeman for an extended period. “You have Mookie come out here, tear an oblique or hamstring, you can lose him for 6 weeks. Or Freddie, if we were a little cavalier about that you lose him for six weeks,” he added.

These injuries raise concerns for the Dodgers as they aim for back-to-back World Series titles. The team will need both Betts and Freeman to maintain their health throughout the season.