Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player, was a late scratch from the lineup for Sunday’s Freeway Series game, with Miguel Rojas stepping in at shortstop. This comes after the Dodgers cleared him and Freddie Freeman for play on Sunday afternoon.
Los Angeles Dodgers, Mookie Betts Scratched from Freeway Series Lineup
The reason for this last-minute change remains unclear. However, it’s worth noting that Betts has been sidelined since Cactus League play due to an illness, causing him to miss the Tokyo Series and return home early for recovery.
Last week, manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Betts’ readiness for Opening Day, but this recent development has introduced some uncertainty. “I think that we’re really trying to be mindful of not just Opening Day but not putting him in harm’s way,” Roberts stated. “He hasn’t taken live at-bats or played in any games (in a week) and not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt.”
Given Betts’ unprecedented transition to shortstop this season, maintaining his full health is crucial. While missing the first Freeway Series game is less than ideal, the teams’ primary focus remains ensuring he is available for their domestic Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers.