Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts had to leave the team’s training camp in Japan to urgently return to the United States for a physical recovery session after falling ill, which resulted in the loss of almost 8 kilograms of weight and dehydration.
Although some players stay with the team even when they are not active, in the case of Mookie Betts, the situation became somewhat alarming due to the physical wear and tear of an illness, which has not been revealed, but he contracted it a week before the start of the Tokyo Series. For this reason, he had to leave his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates behind, who are playing the opening games in Japan.
Dave Roberts comes out to calm the situation with Mookie Betts
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had reported that the eight-time All-Star would not play against the Chicago Cubs due to illness. However, a premature return to the United States was not contemplated. Although Roberts indicated that Betts needed to return home and recover before the team’s home opener on March 27.“Mookie flew home and arrived safely. It just made more sense for him to get back into a regular routine and we shouldn’t prolong the wait if he’s not going to have activity in these games. As always, we all support him,” said the Dodgers manager, who has so far picked up his first 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. A second game will be played on Wednesday at 3:30 AM Central Mexico time.
The illness that struck Mookie Betts
The right fielder and now shortstop began to feel unwell the day before the team left for Japan, but still made the trip. He worked out on Sunday, but quickly felt tired due to the weight loss, which by the Dodgers’ opening game had already accounted for 7.5 kilograms lost and constant dehydration that weakened him in each exercise routine, no matter how minimal.
Mookie Betts has made the transition to full-time shortstop this season after playing most of his career in right field and at second base. He hit .289 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs last season, helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 2025.
Read the full article here
