In a concerning turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts is grappling with a mysterious illness that has resulted in a significant weight loss of more than 20 pounds. Betts, who entered spring training at a solid 175 pounds, now finds himself down to 150 as he struggles with keeping down solid food, which has kept him sidelined during the early part of the 2025 season.
This situation became particularly evident as Betts missed the Dodgers’ two season-opening victories in Tokyo last week and was also absent for a couple of preseason games against the Angels on Sunday and Monday. His condition has raised alarms, and while doctors have run various tests, the results have come back “really, really clean.” This has left everyone, including Betts himself, puzzled as to the root cause of his symptoms.
“I’m scared to eat, so I really don’t know what to do,” Betts shared candidly with reporters. His ongoing issues have made the prospect of eating increasingly daunting, as he described a cycle of attempting to fuel his body only to face the unpleasant aftermath of vomiting. “I’m practicing all day, and my body’s just kind of eating itself, so it’s hard to not fuel it,” he explained, shedding light on his battle to maintain energy levels.
Betts noted that he started feeling unwell just two days before the Dodgers’ flight to Japan, and the long trip has only intensified his discomfort. Reflecting on the experience, he stated, “That was one of the worst playing plane rides I ever had.”
As the Dodgers prepare for their North American opener against the Detroit Tigers this Thursday, the question of when Betts will return to the lineup remains unclear. Despite the alarming drop in weight, he remains determined to get back on the field as soon as he’s able to keep food down.
“It’s just hard to fathom not eating,” Betts expressed. “So it looks like I’m just going to be light for a little bit. Maybe I have to play uphill a little bit for the beginning of the season. But you know I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, tired of just throwing up, tired of doing all of this.”
As fans and teammates rally around him, the hope is that Betts can overcome this physical setback and return to the diamond, contributing once again to a team poised for a strong season. The journey ahead might be challenging, but if anyone has the resolve to push through, it’s Betts.
