Dodgers fans have had two burning questions since spring training began: When will Shohei Ohtani pitch again? And when will Mookie Betts return to the field? While Ohtani’s return to the mound remains a mystery, Betts just gave fans a reason to celebrate. The 32-year-old shortstop confirmed he intends to play in the season opener against the Tigers.
But here’s the thing. Dodgers didn’t exactly struggle without him. They dominated both the Tokyo Series and the Freeway Series. So why is Betts’ return such a big deal?
Look no further than his 2024 numbers: 19 home runs, 75 RBIs, 16 stolen bases in 116 games, and an All-MLB First Team selection. Compared to Miguel Rojas, who filled in admirably but couldn’t bring the same explosiveness, it’s easy to see why the Dodgers want their star shortstop back. Betts may not have dazzled in Tuesday’s game against the Angels, but his presence alone was enough to electrify fans.
Betts was reportedly battling with norovirus, and after more than two weeks, he finally made his comeback to the starting lineup on Tuesday. “I’m perfectly fine, perfectly normal,” Betts said to DodgersNation after the game. “Once I stepped foot on the dirt, I’m ready to go.” Well, that’s what the fans were waiting for. Betts stated that he had every intention of playing in Thursday’s opening-day matchup against the Tigers.
Mookie Betts is facing a brutal battle off the field; one that’s left him 25 pounds lighter in two weeks and unable to keep down solid food. The Dodgers had him penciled in to start at shortstop for the Freeway Series opener, but a last-minute vomiting spell kept him out.
“I don’t think anybody really knows what’s happening,” Betts admitted. “My stomach is so aggravated that my body’s just eating itself. Every time I try to fuel up, I throw up.”
Now in his fifth season with the Dodgers, the 32-year-old star is down to 150 pounds—a far cry from the 175 he carried into spring training. He’s even afraid to eat at this point, and his health remains a major concern. Betts has been a franchise cornerstone since arriving in L.A. in 2020, playing a crucial role in their World Series win before signing a 12-year megadeal. But right now, baseball comes second. The Dodgers just want their star back at full strength.
Anyway, while all other teams were battling with injuries, the Dodgers had only Betts. With him coming back, a full squad is just about going all guns blazing.
The Dodgers resolved their missing link with Betts
Take the example of the Yankees, battling with injuries to their premier players like Luis Gil and Gerrit Cole. Now, have a look at the Dodgers’ lineup. Mookie Betts was their only missing link; it has now been resolved. So, now what? The fans can witness a full-strength lineup. As the Dodgers set their eyes on winning the World Series for the second consecutive time, MLB may be facing the first back-to-back winners since 2000. The Dodgers are the top contender to win the ring again in 2025 after finishing with a league-best 98-64 record and only five postseason losses.
The lineup the Dodgers got this year is second to none. Why? Well, the Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernandez, added 2x Cy Young winner Blake Snell, and acquired a top bullpen arm in Kirby Yates. Currently, the team has three MVP winners (Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Shohei Ohtani) and two Cy Young award winners, with Snell and Clayton Kershaw. If that was not enough, the return of Ohtani on the mound and Betts to the SS will be the cherry on the top. With this lineup, the Dodgers got a huge chance to beat the Cubs’ record of a 116-win season in 1906.
The Tokyo Series and Freeway Series teased what the Dodgers are capable of this year. With all their starting players in, their full strength will be witnessed once the regular season kicks in.
Do you think the Dodgers are all set to get back the ring this year? Share your views with us below.
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