Will Mookie Betts Make a Comeback? Dodgers Star Faces Uncertainty After Losing 15 Pounds to Illness

Mookie Betts, the star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is facing a tough battle with an illness. His return to the field is still unclear. Betts missed the team’s first two games in Tokyo and had to go back to Los Angeles to recover. Unfortunately, he also had to sit out during Sunday’s exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels.

For the past two weeks, Betts has struggled to keep solid food down, losing about 15 pounds in the process. "I feel great overall," he shared. "I’ve been able to work out and do pretty much everything but eat, which is unusual." While he feels good physically, his stomach problems remain a concern.

So far, all of Betts’ medical tests have returned normal. However, he won’t play in Monday’s exhibition and may still be sidelined for Thursday’s opening day game against the Detroit Tigers.

“It’s hard to imagine not eating and then playing,” Betts noted. He’s eager to get back to the game but recognizes that he may be a bit behind at the start of the season.

This season is also significant for Betts as he transitions to shortstop after years of playing in right field and second base. Last season, he had a strong showing, with a .289 batting average, 19 home runs, and 75 RBIs, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series win.

This incident highlights a common issue faced by athletes: maintaining peak health while managing unexpected health setbacks. According to a recent survey by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, about 20% of athletes report gastrointestinal issues that can affect their performance. This statistic underscores the importance of health management, especially in a demanding sport like baseball.

As fans and teammates watch, Betts remains determined to overcome this challenge. His resilience and dedication could inspire many, both on and off the field.

For more on Mookie Betts and the Dodgers, check out ESPN’s coverage.

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