The Los Angeles Dodgers began their World Series title defense without Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman in their Opening Day lineup against the Chicago Cubs.
They already had been preparing to be without Betts for the Tokyo Series because he is still feeling the effects of an illness contracted before the team left Arizona.
Betts missed a Dodgers workout last week and looked physically ill when fielding ground balls before each of their two exhibition games. It was at that point manager Dave Roberts raised the likelihood that Betts would not be available for the two games with the Cubs.
Roberts announced on the team’s final off day before the 2025 season began that Betts was going to miss the entire Tokyo Series amid concern over losing 15 pounds while ill.
“When you lose a lot of weight, when you’re dehydrated, that’s what opens a person up to soft-tissue injuries,” Roberts said during the Dodgers’ workout on Monday in Tokyo. “We’re very mindful of that.”
Roberts then revealed prior to the Opening Day matchup at the Tokyo Dome that Betts had already returned to Los Angeles.
Miguel Rojas is taking Betts’ place as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop for the time being.
Freddie Freeman scratched from Dodgers lineup
Already without one of their perennial MVP candidates, the Dodgers lost another less than one hour before first pitch when Freeman was scratched from the lineup due to left rib discomfort.
Kiké Hernández, who was due to start in left field, took Freeman’s place at first base. That brought Michael Conforto off the bench to play left field.
Freeman dealt with a rib cartilage injury during the postseason and underwent right ankle surgery during the offseason. Freeman recently said he would have to keep it wrapped and continue treatment through the All-Star break.
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