Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts recently returned to the team after the passing of his beloved stepfather. The emotional loss struck at a time with one of the worst offensive slumps of his MLB career. As he works to regain his form, both fans and teammates are watching and offering support.
Tragedy hits home for Betts
On July 25, 2025, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Betts missed a game in Boston due to a death in his family. The 32-year-old slumped back to Nashville, Tennessee, to be with relatives and attend the funeral of his stepfather, a figure who had been a constant in Betts’ life since fourth grade.
Mookie ultimately returned in time to pinch hit during the game on July 26, despite tremendous emotional weight, chowcasing his determination to be there for his team.
Betts’ career in a rough patch
This season, Betts is recording one of his poorest offensive showings. Over 94 games, his slash line sits at approximately .237/.309/.370, with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs, all career lows. His recent stretch is even more troubling, Betts is bating around .172 with a .478 OPS over his past 30 games.
The decline has been attributed to lingering effects from a stomach illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds before spring training, combined with physical and mental impact of transitioning to shortstop this season.
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