Dodgers Star Will Not Play Against Cubs in Japan

Well, it turns out that the Los Angeles Dodgers won't be at 100% this week and will be without one of their stars against the Chicago Cubs in Japan. Mookie Betts, who is back to being the Dodgers' every-day shortstop, has lost about 15 pounds because of an illness and on Sunday night Dave Roberts ruled out Betts for both games against the Cubs to open up regular-season play.

This doesn't come as too big of a surprise, considering Betts informed the Dodgers that he had been feeling sick prior to the team's flight to Japan. The Dodgers were hopeful that Betts' heath would improve, but it didn't and after sitting out both exhibition games this past weekend the shortstop was officially ruled out against the Cubs.

Whatever is plaguing Betts has been so severe that the Dodgers are considering sending him back to the United States instead of having him stick around the team in Tokyo.

Mookie Betts won’t be playing in the Tokyo Series, Dave Roberts said. The team is contemplating getting him back to Los Angeles early to continue recovering from his illness.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 17, 2025

It's definitely a bit of a break for the Cubs as the Dodgers are now expected to start 36-year-old infielder Miguel Rojas at shortstop. Yet, we're still talking about an insanely loaded Dodgers roster that even without Betts is filled with stars in the lineup and is rich in pitching talent.

Rojas played in 103 games last season with the Dodgers and was actually able to fill in nicely as a backup. He slashed .283/.337/.410, in 337 plate appearances and posted a 111 wRC+. Still, if you're the Cubs you'd obviously take your chances against Rojas compared to facing one of the best hitters in the league 10 times over two games.

As for the Cubs they'll also be without one of their starting infielders as second baseman Nico Hoerner stayed back in Arizona, where he's continued to rehab from right flexor tendon surgery. Hoerner has been playing in minor league games and as things currently stand he is expected to be ready to play for the Cubs on March 27, which is the domestic Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

There was also a questions surrounding top Cubs prospect Matt Shaw and his status after he was delayed in spring training because of an oblique issue. However, Shaw returned to game action in the Cactus League and made the trip to Japan. Shaw started both exhibition games at third base this past weekend and is the projected starter at the hot corner for the Cubs this week against the Dodgers.