Who Will Replace Mookie Betts at Shortstop for Dodgers in Tokyo Series vs Cubs?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have played two exhibition games in Tokyo, Japan and the excitement is palpable for the start of the 2025 regular season.

Fans have enjoyed seeing their team spending time overseas and the kind of global impact the franchise has, but getting a taste of what things will look like on the field is only building the anticipation further.

More news: Mookie Betts Won’t Play for Dodgers in Tokyo Series, May Leave Japan Early

Someone who unfortunately was not very active this trip is superstar Mookie Betts.

Betts has been dealing with an illness that caused him to miss the final two Cactus League games of the season, and subsequently the only two exhibition games in Japan.

Betts has now officially been ruled out for the Tokyo Series.

Manager Dave Roberts spoke on how the team is being cautious with the outfielder-turned-shortstop and the implications of throwing him right into the fire.

“I think that we’re really trying to be mindful of not just Opening Day, but not putting him in harm’s way,” Roberts said. “He hasn’t taken live at-bats or played in any games and not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt.”

With Betts out for the opening series, the Dodgers will turn to veteran Miguel Rojas at shortstop, Roberts said.

Rojas is already one of the most respected players in the clubhouse and seen as a leader by his teammates, so stepping up when his squad needs it isn’t surprising to start the 2025 campaign. Rojas has elite defensive skills at shortstop, and helped Betts this offseason refine his abilities at the position.

Rojas stepped in for Betts last year when he suffered a fractured hand in June. He stepped in for the Dodgers two years ago when Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training.

Now, he’ll be doing it again in Japan.

More news: How Many Miles Will the Dodgers Be Traveling in 2025 Season?

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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