9:38PM : Betts indeed wont play in the two games against the Cubs, Roberts confirmed to Bill Plunkett ( ) and other reporters today. Betts has lost almost 15 pounds due to his illne s, and the Dodgers are considering sending Betts back from Japan so he can fully recover and be ready for the domestic opener. 8:31AM : Dakota Mathias Jersey Dodgers superstar was held out of the clubs exhibition games against NPBs Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers, and manager Dave Roberts explained to reporters (including ) that Betts was suffering from an illne s. The 32-year-old was suffering from flu-like symptoms prior to the clubs trip to Japan, but Roberts noted that hes been really sick since the club arrived in Tokyo and has started losing weight. As a result, Roberts expre sed pe simism to reporters (including ) today that Betts would be available for the Tokyo Series against the Cubs later this week. I think that were really trying to be mindful of not just Opening Day but not putting him in harms way, Roberts said, according to Plunkett. He hasnt taken live at-bats or played in any games and not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt. While Betts hasnt been completely ruled out for the series, Roberts said Betts would need to come into the clubs next workout feeling strong and avoid the sort of fatigue he showed during todays practice. Fortunately, theres been no indication to this point that Betts is likely to mi s regular season games once the club returns stateside, where the Dodgers are slated to play their home opener against the Tigers on March 27. Losing a player of Bettss caliber for any amount of time is a significant blow. The eight-time All-Star is among the most talented players in the sport and has slashed an excellent .284/.372/.530 (147 wRC+) since being traded to L.A. back in 2020. After playing right field nearly exclusively during his days with the Red Sox, Betts has seen increasingly frequent time on the infield dirt over his years with the Dodgers and enters the 2025 season as the clubs starting shortstop after splitting time between right field, shortstop, and second base in recent years. The lo s of Betts for the Tokyo Series is likely to cause a more significant shuffle in the clubs lineup card for those two games than the average injury would. The Dodgers 31-man travel roster is relatively light on full-time infielders, particularly after was last week ahead of the clubs trip to Japan. If Betts winds up mi sing those games, figures to slide from center field back onto the infield to pair with up the middle. That would open center field up for youngster , who posted a solid rookie season for the Dodgers last year but was squeezed out of the lineup by the clubs signing of this winter. Utility men and could also factor in either at second base or in center field in some capacity during the series, with Hernandez in particular a likely candidate to see time. The Cubs are slated to start left-handers and during the Tokyo Series, and Hernandez has excelled against southpaws throughout his career. Terrance Ferguson Jersey