The Dodgers are gearing up for their home opener against the Tigers, but all eyes are on Mookie Betts—and not in a good way. He’s missed multiple spring games, sat out the Tokyo Series, and, worst of all, dropped a shocking 18 pounds. That’s not just rust; that’s a full-blown red flag. Dave Roberts says Betts is back to workouts, but is that enough? Opening Day is right around the corner, and the Dodgers face a tough choice: ease him in and risk being shorthanded, or throw him into the fire and hope for the best.

Betts’ health struggles stem from an undisclosed medical issue. In early March, his weight dropped from 175 pounds to 157 pounds due to severe vomiting and dehydration. While the situation is worrisome, the Dodgers have not provided further details.

Roberts addressed the situation, saying, “Mookie is here today, but he’s been really sick. Lost some weight, so we are trying to get him hydrated. He is going to work out a little today. But, he will not be playing either tonight or tomorrow“.

Despite the urgency of Opening Day, Roberts has highlighted that the Dodgers are prioritizing Mookie Betts’ long-term health over a rushed return. While his recovery from illness is the primary concern, the time off also increases the risk of game-related injuries. Roberts stressed, “I think that we are really trying to be mindful of not just Opening Day but not putting him in harm’s way. He has not taken live at-bats or played in any games, and not to put him in a position where he potentially could get hurt“.

For Mookie Betts to return, he needs to highlight consistent strength over multiple days. Dave Roberts laid out the criteria for his comeback, by saying, “I think No. 1 … coming in that he doesn’t feel signs of being overly taxed today. Feeling strong tomorrow, and then tomorrow, to be able to go through an entire workout and not feel that same fatigue would give us a chance. But anything outside of that, I just don’t think the training staff would feel good about“.

The Dodgers will monitor Betts closely, ensuring he is fully ready before taking the field. However, if his condition remains the same, the team will need backup plans.

Dave Roberts’s backup plans and past instances of health-related issues

The Dodgers will have to find someone else to cover shortstop if Betts is not available. The most sensible choice is Miguel Rojas, who hit .283 with six home runs the previous season but offers dependable defense but little offensive production. Chris Taylor is an additional option. He is versatile enough to play the position, but in 2024 he struggled at the plate, hitting just .202 with four home runs. Another candidate is Enrique Hernández, although his erratic performance raises questions about his capacity to manage daily responsibilities. 

The Dodgers have a track record of filling critical voids. After Corey Seager left the squad due to an injury in 2021, the team made a swift change of direction by adding Trea Turner. It made their infield more reliable for 2022. In the same vein, they used a mix of utility players to cover Justin Turner’s extended absences. If Betts is not prepared for Opening Day, their capacity for adaptation will be put to the test once more.

Health issues have disrupted MLB talent’s careers. For instance, Christian Yelich’s back injuries affected his power numbers. In addition, Giancarlo Stanton has repeatedly struggled with muscle strains after attempting to return too soon.

Even the Dodgers have learned hard lessons, most notably in 2021, when Cody Bellinger’s injuries led to a dramatic decline in production. If history tells us anything, rushing Betts back could be a long-term mistake rather than a short-term fix.

Roberts’ update on Mookie Betts provides hope, but questions still remain about his readiness. The Dodgers now face a crucial decision—should they give Betts more recovery time or push for an immediate return?

With their depth being tested early, what do you think the Dodgers should do?