The Los Angeles Dodgers’ overseas venture in the Tokyo Series has taken an unexpected turn, and not just in terms of on-field action. Superstar infielder Mookie Betts, a key cog in LA’s championship aspirations, has been sidelined by a severe illness that’s not only kept him off the field but also led to a significant weight loss—nearly 15 pounds, according to manager Dave Roberts. With the team now looking toward its stateside return and the March 27 home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers, Betts’ status looms large over the Dodgers’ early-season plans.
While Betts’ absence in the Tokyo Series was initially downplayed as precautionary, revelations about the toll the illness has taken on his body have prompted concern throughout the Dodgers organization and the fanbase alike. The former MVP, typically listed at 180 pounds, now finds himself significantly lighter as he attempts to regain strength in time for the team’s high-profile homecoming.
A Health Setback in an International Showcase
The Dodgers’ participation in the Tokyo Series was more than just a ceremonial opening to the 2025 MLB season. It was a celebration of baseball’s global reach, a nod to Shohei Ohtani’s massive international appeal, and a show of strength by one of Major League Baseball’s flagship franchises. Yet amidst the spotlight, the team’s leadoff man and emotional leader was missing from the lineup—a fact that didn’t go unnoticed.
Betts, known for his infectious energy, elite defense, and timely hitting, has been conspicuously absent during the club’s trip to Japan. When reporters pressed Dave Roberts about Betts’ absence, he initially cited illness, offering few details. But now, with the revelation of the 15-pound weight drop, the situation appears more serious than previously indicated.
“Mookie’s been dealing with something pretty significant,” Roberts said during a media session in Tokyo. “He’s lost close to 15 pounds, which is a lot considering his frame. We’re monitoring everything closely, and there’s a good chance he’ll fly back to the States ahead of the team to rest, recover, and be ready for March 27.”
The Importance of Mookie Betts to LA’s 2025 Campaign
Anytime a player of Mookie Betts’ caliber is sidelined, it raises alarms. But with the Dodgers entering the 2025 season as World Series favorites after an offseason for the ages—highlighted by the acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto—the stakes feel especially high. Betts is not just a complementary piece to this juggernaut; he’s one of its foundational players.
After moving from the outfield to the infield in 2023, Betts quickly proved his versatility and baseball IQ, excelling at second base and even shortstop when needed. In 2024, he slashed .281/.378/.503 with 29 home runs, 101 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases—all while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense and serving as a clubhouse leader.
There’s no doubt that his presence is pivotal to the Dodgers’ chemistry and consistency. His leadoff at-bats often set the tone for the entire game. His instincts on the basepaths, his ability to grind out at-bats, and his general presence in the dugout create a ripple effect that touches every corner of the team.
“Losing Mookie, even temporarily, changes the dynamic,” said Roberts. “But we want to make sure he’s 100 percent when he comes back. This isn’t the time to push it.”
Inside the Illness
The Dodgers have not disclosed the exact nature of Betts’ illness, citing privacy concerns, but multiple sources close to the team have described it as a “stomach bug or viral infection” that has lingered longer than expected. Symptoms reportedly began shortly after the team landed in Tokyo and intensified during the early days of team workouts.
According to team trainers, the illness caused Betts to suffer from appetite loss and dehydration—two factors that contributed heavily to his rapid weight loss. While he’s reportedly begun to feel better, the focus now shifts toward getting his strength and stamina back before rejoining full baseball activities.
The team has yet to make an official decision, but all signs point to Betts departing Tokyo early to begin a more structured recovery in Los Angeles. The Dodgers’ medical staff has facilities and resources in place at Dodger Stadium that are better suited for his rehabilitation than what’s currently available overseas.
Teammates React: “It’s Not the Same Without Him”
Inside the Dodgers clubhouse, players have expressed both concern and confidence regarding Betts’ status. Shohei Ohtani, who’s playing his first season as a Dodger and knows well the importance of international attention, spoke highly of Betts’ resilience and leadership—even in absence.
“Mookie is one of the toughest guys I’ve been around,” said Ohtani through his interpreter. “He’s the kind of player who sets the tone for everyone else. We miss him, and we’re hoping he’s back with us soon.”
Freddie Freeman, who bats behind Betts in the Dodgers’ typical lineup, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s definitely not the same without him,” Freeman said. “We’ve got a deep team, but Mookie is our spark plug. We’re all rooting for him to get back to full health.”
Even rookie sensation Andy Pages, called up to provide some outfield depth during the Tokyo Series, acknowledged the void left by Betts.
“He’s always talking to guys, helping out, leading by example,” Pages said. “You feel it when he’s not here.”
What the Lineup Looks Like Without Betts
In Betts’ absence, the Dodgers have experimented with a few different leadoff options. Roberts has rotated between Gavin Lux, James Outman, and even Will Smith, depending on matchups and availability. While each player brings something to the table, none quite replicates Betts’ blend of power, patience, and contact skills.
Lux, for example, brings speed and contact but lacks Betts’ plate discipline. Outman has shown flashes but is more of a strikeout-risk hitter. Smith, while consistent, is better utilized in a run-producing spot in the order.
The result has been a slightly less explosive offensive engine, one that occasionally stalls at the top of the order. The Dodgers are still winning games, but the offense hasn’t fully clicked—at least not in the same way it did when Betts was firing on all cylinders during spring training.
The Bigger Picture: Early Season Health vs. Long-Term Goals
It’s worth remembering that the MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint. As much as fans and analysts want to see the Opening Day lineup at full strength, the Dodgers have a long-term vision that prioritizes October over March. Ensuring that Betts is healthy for the postseason—even if that means missing a few games early—is a trade the organization would gladly make.
Still, the March 27 home opener against the Tigers is a date the Dodgers had circled on their calendar. It will mark Shohei Ohtani’s first home game as a Dodger in front of a raucous crowd, likely the most anticipated regular season game at Chavez Ravine in years. Having Mookie Betts there, both for symbolic and competitive reasons, would be ideal.
“The hope is that he’s ready to go,” said Roberts. “We’re not ruling it out. But we won’t take shortcuts. Mookie’s health is the top priority.”
A Look Ahead
If Betts returns in time for the March 27 game, it could serve as a symbolic reset for the Dodgers, bringing them back to full strength just as they begin their stateside schedule. However, if his recovery takes longer, the team is prepared to weather the early storm, leaning on its depth and star power.
In the meantime, fans can expect updates from the Dodgers’ medical staff in the coming days. Given the heightened interest in Betts’ condition—and his importance to the franchise—it’s likely that the team will keep the media informed on his progress.
One silver lining is that Betts was in excellent form before the illness struck. Reports from spring training painted the picture of a locked-in veteran primed for another MVP-caliber season. Assuming the illness doesn’t leave lasting physical effects, there’s no reason to think Betts won’t return to elite form once he’s cleared for action.
Final Thoughts: The Leader They Can’t Afford to Lose
Mookie Betts is more than just a great player. He’s a tone-setter, a culture driver, and a winner. His absence has been felt not only in the Dodgers’ box scores but in the subtle rhythm of the team itself. Whether it’s a game-saving catch, a clutch home run, or a veteran pep talk during a mound visit, Betts contributes in countless ways.
The news of his 15-pound weight loss is a stark reminder of the human side of professional sports. Even elite athletes are susceptible to illness, and recovery—both physical and mental—takes time. While fans are understandably eager to see No. 50 back on the field, patience and perspective are key.
If all goes according to plan, Betts will be in the Dodgers’ lineup when they take the field at Dodger Stadium on March 27, bat in hand, glove on point, and fire in his eyes. And when that moment comes, the roar from the crowd will be about more than baseball—it’ll be a welcome back to the heart and soul of one of the game’s most iconic franchises.