Good news for the Dodgers!
Mookie Betts’ absence from the Dodgers’ lineup is officially over. The star shortstop returned to action on Tuesday in the team’s final spring training game at Angel Stadium, shaking off a stomach illness that had sidelined him since March 9.
As Betts walked off the field after his pregame routine, his trademark grin was back. “I feel great. Awesome. Normal,” he said, signaling that his recovery was complete. The Dodgers wasted no time getting him back into action, as he played five innings at shortstop and took three at-bats, though he finished hitless on the day.
Betts is expected to face live pitching again on Wednesday, and all signs point to him being in the lineup for the Dodgers’ home opener. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed postgame that while Betts is still easing back into game speed, the expectation is that he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
One lingering concern had been his weight loss during the illness. Reports suggested Betts had dropped to 157 pounds from 175, but Roberts provided an encouraging update, noting that Betts had already started regaining weight and his strength levels had tested normally.
“My body’s been fine. It was literally just my stomach,” Betts reassured reporters. “I’ve been able to work out, do everything like normal. The hard part was just keeping food down.”
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With the illness behind him, Betts feels confident that he’ll be ready when the Dodgers take the field for the season opener.
“I played in the game. Once I stepped foot on the dirt, I’m ready to go.”
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