Mookie Betts returns to Dodgers' lineup against Angels
Mookie Betts’ trademark smile is back. As he walked off the field on his way back to the Dodgers clubhouse, he was in good spirits after his pregame warmup, exclaiming, “I feel great. Awesome. Normal.”
For Betts, Tuesday marks a return to normalcy, with the star shortstop back in the lineup against the Angels. Betts is slated to get “three at-bats, play four or five innings of defense,” according to manager Dave Roberts.
Betts has been battling a stomach illness since the Dodgers' trip to Tokyo, where he was sent home early. Since then, he has worked to regain weight — a process Roberts said has progressed in recent days, as Betts has been able to hold down food and manage his dehydration from the weight loss.
“All signs point toward we’ve turned a corner, and we feel good about where he’s at for tonight,” Roberts said.
There was consideration of shutting Betts down, according to Roberts, but the team is taking a day-to-day approach. After discussions with Betts, the training and coaching staff agreed that "the right thing for him to do is to take good at-bats rather than not play."
His return to the lineup just days before the home opener is a positive sign that he’s on the mend. The team will evaluate his condition Wednesday to determine if he’ll play against the Detroit Tigers.
“I know Mookie’s expectation is to be in there on opening day,” Roberts said.
Dustin May's final spring training start
It has been nearly two years since Dustin May started at the big league level. A battle with injuries — and a near-death experience — has cost him a substantial portion of his career.
May's journey back to the mound in a Dodgers uniform has been emotional, and Roberts has witnessed firsthand how May has managed those emotions and persevered.
“The main thing I’ve seen from Dustin is that he’s managing his emotions better,” Roberts said, praising May’s mental approach.
Read more:After near-death experience, Dustin May thrilled to be pitching: 'Like a new beginning'
From a mechanical standpoint, Roberts has noticed May’s growth from a pitcher who once let things “sort of spiral” when he lost command to one who can now regroup and get the outs he needs.
May will take the mound in the final spring training game against the Angels, with Roberts saying he will pitch about five innings.
“There’s going to be some emotion — Dustin pitches with emotion regardless,” Roberts said of May’s upcoming start. “But as we get closer to the regular season, I think he senses the finish line.”
Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
-
Mookie Betts a late lineup scratch for Dodgers' Freeway Series opener
Mookie Betts, who did not play in Japan because of illness, was slated to play against the Angels on Sunday before being scratched from the lineup.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Dodgers' Betts still dealing with stomach illness
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still dealing with an illness and his return remains uncertain.ESPN - 1d -
Dodgers' Mookie Betts still struggling with illness, status for opening day in doubt
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time All-Star will be ready for opening day against ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 16 -
Dodgers' Mookie Betts still struggling with illness, status for opening day in doubt
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time All-Star will be ready for opening day against ...ABC News - Mar. 16 -
Dodgers star Mookie Betts returns to US to recuperate from illness, will miss 2 games in Japan
Shortstop Mookie Betts has returned to Los Angeles to continue recovering from an illness that will cause him to miss the Dodgers’ first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo DomeABC News - Mar. 18 -
Dodgers star Mookie Betts won't play in 2 regular season games vs. Cubs in Tokyo because of illness
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of an illness that’s lingered for the past weekABC News - Mar. 16 -
Dodgers' Mookie Betts ruled out of Tokyo Series vs. Cubs because of stomach virus
Mookie Betts will miss both of the Dodgers' season-opening games at the Tokyo Dome this week against the Chicago Cubs, manager Dave Roberts said Monday.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Dodgers star Mookie Betts won't play in 2 regular season games vs. Cubs in Tokyo because of illness
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of an illness that's lingered for the past week. Manager Dave Roberts said ...Yahoo Sports - Mar. 17 -
Mookie Betts’ domestic opening day status uncertain after he misses exhibition with ongoing illness
Mookie Betts, who missed the Dodgers’ first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome and was sent back to Los Angeles to continue recovering, was a late scratch for an exhibition win ...Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
Harper is a big-bodied lefty combo guard with NBA blood in his veins.Yahoo Sports - 34m -
How to watch Bournemouth vs Manchester City live: FA Cup stream link, team news, prediction
Manchester City's last reasonable chance at a trophy this season hits the Vitality Stadium on Sunday for an FA Cup quarterfinal clash with a confident Bournemouth.Yahoo Sports - 36m -
Marlborough racing tips and best bets for today’s races
Following today’s racing tips? In need of some guidance? Or just fancy a flutter?Yahoo Sports - 36m -
Joson Sanon, one of the top players in the transfer portal, leaves ASU to play for Rick Pitino at St. John's
Joson Sanon is leaving ASU after a promising freshman season.Yahoo Sports - 37m -
West Virginia's Sencire Harris entering transfer portal
West Virginia guard Sencire Harris is entering the transfer portal, he announced on social media. Harris spent just one season at WVU, after he played at Illinois the year prior. Harris was named ...Yahoo Sports - 38m
More in Sports
-
Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.
Group sports terms that share a common thread.The New York Times - 30m -
The Winners and Losers of the N.F.L. Offseason
Some teams added value in free agency. Others lost a lot of it.The New York Times - 30m -
Novak Djokovic’s Search for His Tennis, and for Himself
After two decades and 99 career singles titles, the greatest men’s tennis player of the modern era has become a mystery.The New York Times - 30m -
Inside an N.F.L. Draft Prospect’s Long Struggle With Narcolepsy
During one of the most intense moments of the college football season, Nazir Stackhouse was fighting a battle to stay awake.The New York Times - 30m -
Lionel Messi’s Trading Card Controversy Spurs a Loaded Question
Collectors have been left to wonder if someone other than the soccer superstar is signing his trading cards.The New York Times - 30m