Mookie Betts Faces Health Scare, Loses 25 Pounds Ahead of Dodgers’ Home Opener

Mookie Betts Faces Health Scare, Loses 25 Pounds Ahead of Dodgers’ Home Opener

Mookie Betts has been unable to play in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first two regular season games in Tokyo due to an illness, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming home opener.

Despite the absence of Betts and fellow player Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers secured a clean sweep against the Chicago Cubs during their two-game series overseas. However, the team’s star player has been struggling with a stomach bug, which has affected his ability to keep food down for nearly two weeks, resulting in a dramatic weight loss of 25 pounds.

Betts Discusses His Struggles

In a recent update, Betts expressed the distressing nature of his situation. He stated, “You weigh yourself and you weigh 150 pounds. Before I left spring training, I was 175 pounds. It’s hard to just not eat. My body is just kind of eating itself. Every time I try to fuel my body, I throw up, and I don’t know what to do about it. I’m scared to eat. I don’t really know what to do.” This candid admission highlights the mental and physical toll the illness has had on him.

Betts had to return to Los Angeles from Japan for medical testing and reassured fans, saying, “Everything has come back clean.” His optimism remains despite the ongoing challenges with his stomach. He stated, “I feel great. My body feels great. I’ve been able to work out, do pretty much everything but eat, which is strange. The symptoms have kind of gone away. I just have to figure out how to get my stomach to calm down.”

Testing and Diagnosis

Betts underwent a series of blood tests and other evaluations, all of which returned normal results. He elaborated, “My vitals, everything has come back clean. Blood tests have been really clean and healthy. I guess it’s just something with my stomach being aggravated, so I’ve just started some new medicine now to try and calm my stomach down.” This reassurance about his overall health provides a glimmer of hope for fans concerned about his status.

The Dodgers had scheduled exhibition games against the Angels prior to opening day, but Betts was a late scratch on Sunday and is also expected to sit out the game on Monday. His absence raises concerns about how the reigning World Series champions will fare without one of their key players.

The Road Ahead for Betts and the Dodgers

As the Dodgers prepare for their first home game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, the team may need to adjust without Betts in the lineup. Although it is uncertain when he will return, his desire to play remains strong. He stated, “It’s just hard to fathom not eating and going to play a game. It looks like I’m just going to be light for a little bit at the beginning of the season. But no, I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, tired of throwing up, tired of doing all this. I really just want to play.” This determination showcases his commitment to his team and the game.

Last year, Betts had an impressive season, slashing .289/.372/.491 in 116 games. This was the fewest games he played in a season since becoming a full-time player, excluding the shortened 2020 season. His return to the field is crucial not just for him personally, but for the Dodgers as they aim for continued success this season.

When Betts is ready to return, he will rejoin a talented lineup featuring Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernandez. The synergy within the team will be vital for their performance in the highly competitive MLB landscape.

As he faces this health issue, the baseball community rallies around him, hoping for a swift recovery. Betts’ situation serves as a reminder of the physical toll athletes endure and the impact of health on performance.

While the Dodgers have showcased resilience in his absence, fans eagerly anticipate the day when Betts returns to the diamond. For now, the focus remains on his health and ensuring he receives the necessary care to overcome this challenging episode.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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