Since the Tokyo Series, there has been no dearth of updates about Mookie Betts’ health. However, when will he play? No one knows! Yes, while all the fans know why Betts is missing the games, no one knows when the Dodgers will get him back. This time, it seems a ray of hope is visible for the fans. How? The Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, revealed how Betts is just about to get declared fit for the on-field action. The team’s desperation to get him back since the Tokyo Series reflects Betts’s importance to the lineup.

Mookie Betts’s performance in the past few years is what made him an integral part of the team. The 7x Silver Slugger boasts of career 271 HRs and 831 RBIs. In 2024, Betts participated in 116 games in the regular season, slashing .289/.372/.491 with 19 home runs and 16 stolen bases. The last year was also his first appearance as a primary shortstop. In terms of batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS, he also led players with 100 or more plate appearances.

Well, this concludes the desperation of the Dodgers about why they are desperate to get Betts back to the team. “He tried solid food, kept it down, got through his workout, and he’s gonna go home and eat some more solid food,” Roberts said Monday via DodgersNation. So, the issue with the Betts all these days about not being able to intake foods, and rapidly losing weight is now on its way to being resolved. Interestingly, Betts has been kept in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s Freeway Series finale against the Angels. But there’s still a twist.

While it sounds good to have Betts back in the lineup, he was also selected in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Angels. However, he was scratched off just before the game. So, if Betts is not able to make it to the park, what options do the Dodgers have to replace him in the regular season?

The Dodgers are immune enough to replace Betts

The 34-year-old Chris Taylor is a potent bet for the Dodgers to replace Mookie Betts. After struggling with injuries last year, he was demoted to a lesser role. However, since 2023, Taylor has been hitting at .223/.315/.374 with 22 doubles, 19 home runs, and 79 RBI. Furthermore, Taylor’s defensive background may prove useful to the Dodgers in the future when Mookie Betts is not available. If the ongoing spring is concerned, Taylor 2 RBIs at a .211 BA. So, if not the best, the Dodgers at least have a solid replacement for Betts in Taylor.

It’s all veterans for the Dodgers to replace Betts. Apart from Chris Taylor, they have the 36-year-old Miguel Rojas to play at shortstop. Rojas reached a career-high in the 2024 season. During 103 games with the Dodgers last year, he recorded a .283/.337/.410 slash line with 6 home runs and 36 RBIs, earning him the Roy Campanella Award. So, while age is not on his side, Rojas still can make for a short-term option replacing Betts. He got 5 RBIs at a .357 BA, making him a stronger case over Taylor.

While these two are the closest options for the Dodgers to replace Mookie Betts, getting Betts back will be the cherry on top. Do you think Betts can make it to the opening-day roster of the Dodgers? Let us know in the comment below.