The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a rocky start this season, but the team’s most pressing issue in recent weeks has been an unexpected off-field challenge involving star outfielder Mookie Betts. Betts has been sidelined for over two weeks due to a mysterious illness that has led to significant weight loss—approximately 20 pounds—without a clear diagnosis. The situation has raised considerable concern among the team’s management and fans alike.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has openly acknowledged the anxiety surrounding Betts’ health. With no definitive explanation for the symptoms and the player’s condition showing little improvement over time, the situation has escalated to a point of alarm. “I think it was getting pretty worrisome because there really is nothing that compares to what he was going through,” Roberts stated, reflecting the growing tension behind the scenes. Despite the challenges, the team has tried to remain positive as they navigated this difficult period.
Betts first began experiencing symptoms prior to the Dodgers’ trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. Initially, it was thought to be a temporary ailment, but his health deteriorated significantly, leading the medical team to send him home before the series commenced. Unable to consume solid food and facing extreme weight loss, the prolonged absence of the star player heightened concerns within the franchise.
After a period of recovery, Betts returned to the Dodgers for the final game of the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels. Although he is still in the process of regaining the weight he lost, Betts reassured reporters of his readiness to return to form. His participation in the Dodgers’ home opener against the Detroit Tigers has been confirmed, providing much-needed relief to both fans and the coaching staff.
In addition to Betts, the Dodgers faced another notable absence during the Tokyo series: Freddie Freeman, the MVP of last year’s World Series. Freeman was withdrawn from the lineup due to discomfort in his ribs, a residual issue stemming from a cartilage fracture he sustained during the postseason. The late decision to remove him from the lineup sparked speculation regarding the severity of his condition. However, Roberts alleviated concerns by indicating that Freeman’s situation did not appear as serious as his prior injury. Freeman successfully returned to action in the Freeway Series, participating in all three games against the Angels and demonstrating he is fully recovered.
With both Betts and Freeman back in the lineup, the Dodgers are poised to make a strong push for consecutive World Series titles—a feat no team has accomplished in the past 25 years. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see if Betts can quickly regain his elite form following his illness, and whether Freeman’s rib injury will pose further complications. The Dodgers’ journey ahead promises to be an intriguing one, and the baseball world will be watching closely.
