Mookie Betts to Miss Two Exhibition Games in Tokyo Due to Illness

As the 2025 MLB season quickly approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers have received an unexpected blow with the news that star shortstop Mookie Betts will miss at least two exhibition games in Tokyo due to illness. This development comes just days before the Dodgers are set to face off against the Chicago Cubs in the opening series of the season in Japan.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts provided the update on Betts’ condition, revealing that the eight-time All-Star is battling flu-like symptoms. Although Betts is expected to be available for the season opener against the Cubs, he will not participate in the Dodgers’ exhibition games against Japan’s Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers this weekend.

Betts Struggling with Flu-Like Symptoms

Roberts explained that Betts had been feeling unwell after the Dodgers’ final day of matches in Arizona. The 32-year-old was reportedly showing flu-like symptoms, which caused him to lose some weight and left him feeling drained. Despite the setback, Roberts expressed confidence that Betts would be ready for the Dodgers’ regular-season opener in Tokyo.

“Mookie is here today, but he’s been really sick,” Roberts shared. “Lost some weight, so we’re trying to get him hydrated. He’s going to work out a little today, but he won’t be playing either tonight or tomorrow.” Roberts went on to add that the team would monitor Betts closely and reassess his condition during their off-day workout, which would determine his availability for the exhibition games and beyond.

The absence of Betts for the exhibition games is unfortunate, as the Dodgers were eager to showcase their star players in front of a passionate Japanese crowd. Betts’ experience in Japan has been memorable in the past, and he had been excited to return to the country. While he will not take the field for these exhibition matchups, the Dodgers are optimistic that he will be back in action when it matters most.

Betts’ Experience in Japan

This isn’t Mookie Betts’ first trip to Japan with the Dodgers. The superstar has previously traveled to the country and spoke fondly of the experience. “It was awesome, and it was neat to see the culture, taste all the good food, and really experience what it’s like,” Betts said. He also shared a memorable moment walking through the streets of Japan, where he noted that while he wasn’t as famous as Shohei Ohtani, it was still surreal to be recognized by fans. “I wasn’t Shohei (Ohtani) by any means, but to experience kind of what it’s like, to walk around the streets, and everyone knows you? I can only imagine being those guys! It was just an amazing experience.”

Betts’ connection to Japan goes beyond just playing baseball. During the off-season, he hosted a baseball clinic for kids at Matsusen Elementary School in Ota City, Japan. The clinic was part of MLB’s Play Ball initiative, which aims to promote baseball among young athletes and students worldwide.

Looking Ahead

With the season opener just around the corner, the Dodgers will need to adjust to Betts’ absence from the exhibition games. However, team officials are confident that their star shortstop will recover quickly and be ready to play when the regular season kicks off. The Dodgers’ opening series in Tokyo will be a historic and highly anticipated event, and Betts’ presence will be crucial to their performance on the field.

For now, the Dodgers and their fans will have to wait and see how Betts’ condition progresses over the next few days. While missing two exhibition games is a setback, the hope is that the shortstop will be fully recovered and ready to lead his team as the 2025 MLB season begins.