Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is in the lineup in the Dodgers’ final exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels following a bout of illness. The 32-year-old had a full workout yesterday, and kept food down for the first time in two weeks. Manager Dave Roberts said that if Betts could cross those two hurdles, then he would be in the starting nine.
Mookie Betts is back in the Dodgers lineup for tonight’s exhibition game pic.twitter.com/6xheibn2tl
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 25, 2025
Mookie Betts Back in Dodgers Lineup After Illness
Mysterious Virus
Betts has looked good this spring as he transitions back to the infield. Unfortunately, he contracted the undiagnosed virus a few days before the team left for Tokyo to take on the Chicago Cubs. It soon became clear that he would be unable to play due to weakness and weight loss. The perennial All-Star has lost close to 30 pounds during this illness. In fact, the Dodgers sent him home early to speed his recovery. Miguel Rojas filled in at shortstop, and the Dodgers swept the mini-series from the Cubs.
Injured List Avoided
The doctors were unable to isolate the specific virus, and there were some fears that Betts would land on the injured list to start the season. With the good news today, those fears have subsided considerably.
An Embarrassment of Riches?
The news of Betts’ improvement comes on the heels of the announcement that Freddie Freeman will also be ready for the domestic home opener. Freeman, who was experiencing rib pain from an injury he sustained last year, did not play in Japan either. However, the World Series Most Valuable Player seems to be okay and did not need to undergo an MRI to check on the extent of the injury. It appears that the rib injury led to some scar tissue, which has since broken up.
In all likelihood, Betts and Freeman will hit in their customary places come Opening Day, and the Dodgers will breathe a huge sigh of relief as they attempt to defend their World Series title.
Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
