Mookie Betts has been dealing with a mysterious illness for over a week. The illness has kept Betts, who is slated to be the Los Angeles Dodgers starting shortstop this season, sidelined as doctors continue to run tests and monitor the situation.
Betts traveled with the Dodgers to Japan last week with hopes of playing in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs to open the 2025 Major League Baseball season. However, Betts was ultimately scratched from the lineup for both games two full days prior to the first pitch of the Tokyo Series. The Dodgers swept the two-game-series over the Cubs on March 18 and 19.
Betts, continuing to work his way back into playing shape, was slated to play in Sunday’s Spring Training game against the Los Angeles Angels before being scratched from the lineup just hours before the 8:10 p.m. EDT first pitch.
Speaking with reporters for the first time through this ordeal, Betts revealed shocking details about his mysterious illness, including his symptoms, conversations with doctors, as well as his rapid weight loss.
Sunday, Betts was scratched from the Dodgers lineup, and he explained his day prior to the team’s decision.
“I was fine this morning. I got to the park and went about my day, and then I had to go throw up again. I’m not exactly sure what it is,” Betts said.
Betts also revealed his drastic weight loss, as his body continues to throw up everything he attempts to consume.
“You weigh yourself and you weigh 150 pounds. Before I left Spring, I was 175 (pounds). It’s hard to just not eat…My body is just kind of eating itself. Literally every time I fuel my body I throw up, and I don’t know what to do about it. I’m scared to eat,” Betts detailed.
Reporters also wondered what doctors have said, asking if there’s any history or explanation for the illness.
“Vitals and everything has come back clean. Blood tests have come back clean and healthy. This has never happened. I have no real explanation,” Betts said.
Despite the struggle to keep food down, Betts continues to express his desire to get back on the field. Betts hasn’t appeared in a game since March 9, and he voiced his frustration from this mysterious illness keeping him on the bench.
“I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, and tired of throwing up. I just want to play,” Betts said.
The Dodgers next regular-season-game is scheduled at home, against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
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