As the 2025 MLB season gears up, the Los Angeles Dodgers are all set to kick off their title defense in a thrilling way: by taking on the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series, two games in the heart of Japan on March 18 and 19. While playing overseas during spring training presents its share of travel headaches, these games in Japan have become integral to Major League Baseball’s mission to broaden its global audience. And when it comes to showcasing the Dodgers, it’s no surprise they’re a marquee team for such an event.
Playing in front of a supportive crowd that’s likely to be rooting for LA adds another layer of excitement to this series, especially with superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki in the mix. The atmosphere will surely be electric, although the Dodgers will be missing a key element from their lineup.
Star outfielder Mookie Betts will not participate in the Tokyo Series due to a stomach virus that has sidelined him since last weekend. Drafted as one of baseball’s elite players, his absence is a tough blow for the Dodgers just as they look to start the season strong.
Betts’ situation isn’t entirely surprising. He missed several spring training games over the weekend while battling this illness, and although he was considered questionable leading up to the series, it was ultimately confirmed that he would not be making the trip.
On a positive note, the prognosis for Betts is encouraging. His current condition is more of a short-term setback than a serious issue, with the expectation that he’ll be back in action shortly after the Dodgers finish spring training at the end of the month. While having a player of Betts’ caliber out of the lineup is far from ideal, the silver lining is that this should be a brief absence that won’t significantly derail the team’s momentum.
Interestingly enough, stomach ailments aren’t entirely unfamiliar territory for Betts during the spring. He faced a similar challenge back in 2020, which also threatened his availability for Opening Day. Yet that season turned out remarkably well for him, as he finished second in the NL MVP race. Fans can only hope that this season mirrors that story, allowing Betts to rejoin his teammates soon and continue the Dodgers’ quest for another championship.
