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As Opening Day of the 2025 MLB season approaches, one unexpected storyline has emerged from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ camp: the concerning health situation of outfielder Mookie Betts. Over the past couple of weeks, Betts has been grappling with an unusual and worrying illness.
In a recent episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, hosted by Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman, the discussion touched on Betts’ troubling health issue. It came to light that Betts had been unable to keep down solid food for approximately two weeks, leading to a concerning weight loss from 175 pounds to 150. This alarming situation has posed significant questions about Betts’ readiness as the season opener looms.
“I’m kind of skeptical we’re going to see him on Thursday,” Shusterman said. “Hey, Mookie, you haven’t eaten anything for three weeks. Here, go face Tarik Skubal.”
The Dodgers host the Tigers in a three-game series beginning Thursday. While it serves as Opening Day for most of MLB, the Dodgers actually opened their season last week with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. Betts did not play in either.
Betts has mentioned feeling fine in other respects, yet the inability to digest food is highly likely to impair his performance. “It’s hard to do your job when you don’t eat food,” he admitted, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite this, Betts expressed a determination to keep going, stating his intention to “play uphill” despite the ongoing issue. Sure, it’s a testament to his resilience, but at what cost?
What perplexes Betts is the absence of a clear diagnosis, despite access to top-tier medical expertise. The uncertainty surrounding his condition only adds to the anxiety, as the Dodgers brace themselves for their home opener.
To hear more MLB discussions, tune into “Baseball-Bar-B-Cast” on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.