Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts finally returned to the lineup Tuesday after battling an illness for over two weeks.
The new shortstop lost nearly 20 pounds and couldn’t hold down solid foods.
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However, Betts finally was able to play on Tuesday, and revealed after the game that he had every intention of playing in Thursday’s domestic Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers.
“I’m perfectly fine, perfectly normal.” Betts said after the game. “Once I stepped foot on the dirt, I’m ready to go.”
Betts had a grueling two weeks as he battled what the LA Times reported to be norovirus. He missed the final two Cactus League games, all four Japan games (two exhibitions and the two games against the Cubs), and the first two Freeway Series games.
However, Betts was always targeting Thursday’s Opening Day to return to the field, and after taking three at-bats on Tuesday, he’s ready to get back to playing meaningful baseball.
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The Dodgers were able to manage without Betts in Japan, as Miguel Rojas subbed in at shortstop and the team easily won both games. However, Betts has proven to be arguably the most important player on the Dodgers over the last half-decade, and is transitioning to one of the most important positions on the field at shortstop.
Betts worked tirelessly this offseason to get his shortstop play to a level where he wouldn’t “embarrass” himself, as he said he did last year. Making this full-time transition at nearly 20 pounds underweight only makes things more difficult, but the eight-time All-Star seems confident in playing at an elite level for Thursday’s home opener.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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