As the Los Angeles Dodgers get set to resume their title defense, they received encouraging news with Mookie Betts in his ongoing recovery from a lingering illness.
Betts was in the Dodgers lineup for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels but wound up being scratched from the opener of the exhibition Freeway Series due to another bout with vomiting. In his first comments since falling ill two weeks ago, Betts revealed he’d been unable to keep any solid food down after eating.
However, that changed on Monday and Betts also went through a workout at Dodger Stadium as the team was further south to continue facing the Angels.
“Really encouraged,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Went through a full day at Dodger Stadium, he hit, took grounders, threw, kept food down, which is great. My expectation is that he plays [Tuesday] and takes a few at-bats.”
Betts on Sunday mentioned being prescribed a new medication that he hoped would help address the stomach irritation he hasn’t been able to overcome.
“I think he was alluding to getting to a common denominator on a diet situation,” Roberts answered when asked if the medication could explain the improvement. “So I’ll let him speak to that more.”
In addition to frustration over a lack of clarity or explanation, the level of concern started to grow for the Dodgers and Betts.
“There really isn’t something to kind of compare what he was going through. So I just think we were trying to remain positive, but it was really disconcerting,” Roberts said.
“Still trying to stay optimistic, but I do think that Mookie has turned a corner. Talked to him, he feels great. Expects to play [Tuesday], so right now we’re in a good spot.”
Mookie Betts details
Will he play Opening Day at Dodger Stadium?
Given that Betts is trending toward returning to the Dodgers lineup for his first game since March 9, there is now a potential he is able to play in the Dodger Stadium opener as well.
“He was doubtful,” Roberts said of Betts’ status to begin the week. “We’ll just leave it as we’ll see how [Tuesday] goes.”
How much weight has Betts lost?
Betts revealed he reported to Spring Training weighing 175 pounds but had since lost 25 pounds because of the virus. Betts indicated he currently is 150 pounds.
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