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The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced their Opening Day lineup for the 2025 season, but star player Mookie Betts will not be on the field. Due to illness, Betts has been ruled out for the team’s first two games against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. In his absence, Miguel Rojas will step in as the starting shortstop.
Mookie Betts' Absence and Health Concerns
Betts has been sick since the final day of spring training in Arizona, causing him to lose nearly 15 pounds over the past week. Although he attempted light workouts at the Tokyo Dome on Saturday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Monday that Betts would not be available for the series in Japan. His absence leaves a significant gap in the lineup, as he was expected to be a key contributor for the team.
Game 1.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 18, 2025
Today's #Dodgers Tokyo Series lineup at Cubs: pic.twitter.com/XajYRMRPlq
Key Changes in the Lineup
With Betts sidelined, the Dodgers are making some adjustments:
- Miguel Rojas takes over at shortstop, batting eighth. Rojas was the primary shortstop for the team in 2024, starting 67 games in the position.
- Andy Pages will play center field and bat ninth. Roberts hinted at this move over the weekend, especially with the Cubs starting two left-handed pitchers in the series, including Shota Imanaga in the opener. Pages had a strong 2024 season against left-handed pitchers, hitting .357/.396/.520 in 107 plate appearances.
- Kiké Hernández gets the start in left field, replacing Michael Conforto. This change aligns with the team’s strategy to use a right-handed hitter against Imanaga.
- Max Muncy will start at third base for the fourth straight Opening Day and seventh consecutive Opening Day overall. His consistency in the lineup puts him among the few Dodgers players to start so many consecutive openers, alongside Clayton Kershaw and Andre Ethier.
Dodgers' Strategy Moving Forward
Despite Betts' absence, the Dodgers are fielding a strong lineup to open their season. The team will be looking to capitalize on their offensive depth and defensive versatility. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs without Betts and whether these adjustments help the Dodgers start the season on a winning note.
