Dave Roberts Reveals Why Mookie Betts is Out of Friday’s Lineup vs. Yankees
The Los Angeles Dodgers face the New York Yankees for the first time since October 2024, but the team won’t have starting shortstop Mookie Betts for the first game of the World Series rematch.
Read more: Dodgers Lineup vs Yankees: Mookie Betts Surprisingly Out in World Series Rematch
The absence of the Dodgers star comes as a surprise given the Dodgers had an off day Thursday, and the Yankees will have left-handed pitcher Max Fried on the mound. However, manager Dave Roberts revealed why Betts isn’t in Friday’s Dodgers lineup.
The Dodgers star is dealing with a toe/foot issue and may need X-rays in the coming days. Roberts revealed Betts stubbed his toe at home on Wednesday, and experienced too much discomfort to play Friday.
The Dodgers will have veteran Miguel Rojas start at shortstop for the series opener against the Bronx Bombers. Max Muncy is also out of Friday’s lineup as the Dodgers penciled in Kiké Hernandez as the starting third baseman.
Betts previously missed the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of a stomach illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds. He also missed an additional game against the Detroit Tigers during the Dodgers’ domestic opening weekend as he returned from the illness.
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Since then, Betts has played in 53 of the Dodgers’ 56 games this season until Friday’s absence from the lineup.
Betts is hitting .254 with eight home runs, 31 runs batted in and an OPS of .742 this season. A Gold Glover in right field, Betts made the unprecedented transition to shortstop and has flourished for the Dodgers.
The Dodgers star currently ranks in the 89th percentile in Outs Above Average, a testament to his above-average defense thus far at the new position.
As the titans of baseball once again clash at Chavez Ravine, the Dodgers will be without one of their MVPs to open the series.
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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