Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Is Mookie Betts Playing Tonight? Update on Dodgers’ Star for the Dodgers vs. Tigers MLB Opening Day Game

Mookie Betts lost nearly 20 pounds due to a stomach virus.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has made headlines this week, not for his performance on the field, but for his battle with a stomach virus that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds.

According to Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times, Betts missed the Dodgers’ season-opening Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs while dealing with what is believed to be norovirus. The illness kept him sidelined for two weeks, forcing him to miss critical preseason reps and delaying his transition to shortstop.

However, Betts returned to action in the Dodgers’ final spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels, and all signs point to him being in the lineup for Thursday’s home opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Is Mookie Betts Available for the Dodgers vs. Tigers Game?

On Wednesday, while most of the Dodgers rested ahead of their matchup with Detroit, Betts spent the day getting in extra reps. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told MLB Network that Betts was facing live pitching at Dodger Stadium and continuing to rebuild his strength.

“He got through yesterday feeling good,” Gomes said. “He’s going to face some arms today and try to get a few more at-bats. Definitely came out of (Tuesday’s game) feeling good. He’s in good spirits. So hopefully we’re trending up and get this behind him soon enough.”

When will Shohei join the @Dodgers rotation?

GM Brandon Gomes provides an update on Ohtani's throwing progression and the latest on Mookie Betts' return.#MLBNow | @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/F98yGYcXmO
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 26, 2025

Manager Dave Roberts also confirmed after the Dodgers final game from spring training that Betts is progressing well. Reports suggested his weight had dropped from 175 pounds to 157 during his illness, but Roberts noted that Betts has already started regaining weight and that his strength levels tested normally.

ALSO READ: Shohei Ohtani to Resume Pitching After His Month-Long Break From Rehab

Despite missing key preparation time, Betts himself is confident he’ll be ready when the Dodgers take the field at Chavez Ravine.

“I played in the game. Once I stepped foot on the dirt, I’m ready to go,” Betts said.

At the end of the day, Mookie Betts playing isn’t just important for the Dodger, it’s essential for baseball. Plenty of stars are admired for their talent but not universally liked. Betts is one of the rare exceptions. He’s consistent, genuine, and year after year, a favorite across the league. And let’s be honest, Opening Day at Dodger Stadium just wouldn’t feel right without him.

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Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.