Could Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Start the Season On Injured List?
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts could miss the start of the season because of the ongoing illness he is battling. Betts revealed he lost nearly 25 pounds since becoming ill, and the Dodgers will have to evaluate whether he can play with so much weight lost.
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“You’re already playing uphill,” Betts said. “I weigh 157 pounds, and that’s way underweight.”
Betts admitted his spot on the Opening Day roster is in jeopardy since strength and stamina have been a lingering issue and likely won’t disappear by the home opener Thursday.
“That’s a rough question just because you go out there and you go play four innings and then put your team at a deficit at that point,” Betts said when asked if he thinks he will be ready to play Thursday. “You don’t really want to do that. And then you put yourself at a deficit. You’re already playing uphill anyway.”
The Dodgers superstar is making the unprecedented transition to shortstop this season, which is already a challenge when fully healthy. Is it worth playing ill and risking further injury?
Betts appears to be at a crossroads.
“… I’m not saying I don’t want to do it. It’s just, Game 1 of the season. Do I really want to give myself that much of an uphill battle? I mean, sure, if that’s what it takes. But does it logically make sense? That’s the question we need to answer.”
While the natural competitor in Betts will want to be on the Opening Day roster, it’s in his and the Dodgers’ best interest if he prolongs his debut until he is fully recovered.
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Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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