Mookie Betts, the talented shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is facing a tough battle with a mysterious stomach illness. Once weighing 175 pounds, he has lost significant weight, dropping to just 157. This drastic change has left him feeling weak and frustrated.
Before a recent game against the Angels, he was set to play but had to be withdrawn after experiencing more symptoms. "I just want to play," Betts expressed, visibly upset. The routine of vomiting every time he tries to eat has left him weary. "My body feels good for workouts, but I can’t eat," he said. This strange illness began just days before the Dodgers’ trip to Japan, where his condition alarmingly worsened.
Despite clean test results from doctors and a new medication aimed at easing his stomach issues, Betts remains uncertain about his return. He wants to help his team but is worried about getting back too soon. "I weigh 157 pounds, and that’s way underweight," he added, emphasizing the need to be healthy first.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers celebrate a convincing 7-1 win against the Angels in an exhibition game, marked by a crucial pinch-hit double from Chris Okey that broke a tie late in the match. Their regular-season opener is approaching, and it’s an exciting time for the team.
Blake Snell, the newly signed Cy Young winner, is scheduled to make his debut as the starting pitcher against the Detroit Tigers. The Dodgers secured him for five years and $182 million, and he’s excited to be part of the team. Manager Dave Roberts noted the significance of having two Cy Young winners facing off in the upcoming game.
Fans are buzzing about Betts’s condition and Snell’s debut on social media, showcasing their hope for both players’ success. The recent debates around player health and safety in sports highlight just how critical it is for athletes to prioritize their well-being over rushing back to the game.
In the coming days, Betts will undergo additional tests to monitor his health. For now, the Dodgers continue to adapt and prepare as they compete for the championship, hoping for Betts’s quick recovery and a strong start to the season.
For more information on sports health challenges faced by athletes, you can read the CDC’s report on athlete health.
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Source linkMookie Betts, Dodgers, Los Angeles Times, Dave Roberts, Dodger Stadium, Blake Snell, The Dodgers, the Angels, Freeway Series, Gina Ferazzi, Detroit Tigers, Tyler Glasnow, Freddie Freeman, Roki Sasaki, Chris Okey, Will Smith, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Max Muncy, Atlanta, Tarik Skubal
