Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop, will be absent for the weekend series against the New York Yankees after fracturing his second toe. The injury occurred when he stubbed his toe while navigating in the dark. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that Betts is day-to-day, and he won't need an injured list stint. In Betts' place, veteran Miguel Rojas took the field, going hitless in his first game of the series.

This season, Betts holds a batting average of .254 with eight home runs and five stolen bases across 53 games, contributing approximately 1.7 Wins Above Replacement. However, this OPS+ rating marks the lowest point in his career.

Despite Betts' absence, the Dodgers managed to secure a victory in the series opener, but they enter Saturday's game as a home underdog. Betts has faced a challenging season regarding injuries, having missed significant playing time including the season opener due to a stomach bug.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, sitting at 29-15, are leading the National League West despite injuries hampering their performance. Key players like Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tommy Edman have been sidelined, impacting their title defense. However, outfielder Teoscar Hernández is nearing his return after an abductor strain.

Hernández, who had a stellar season last year with 33 home runs and was awarded a Silver Slugger, will challenge manager Dave Roberts on how to adjust the roster. The team currently has sufficient outfield depth with Andy Pages and Hyeseong Kim, but neither can match Hernández's production. When he returns, it could mean tough decisions for the team regarding James Outman and veteran Miguel Rojas.

The Los Angeles Dodgers faced another setback as they fell 4-3 to the Atlanta Braves, highlighting their ongoing struggles with offensive depth. Despite a promising rally in the ninth inning, a combination of questionable matchups and strikeouts from key players left them unable to capitalize on opportunities.

Rookie Hyeseong Kim made an impact after being called up, stealing bases and putting himself in scoring position, but the Dodgers couldn't bring him home. Manager Dave Roberts' roster limitations were evident as he was forced to rely on underperforming players like Miguel Rojas and Austin Barnes, who both struck out in crucial moments. As the season progresses, the Dodgers must address these depth issues to remain competitive.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has been ruled out of the upcoming Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to a prolonged illness. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Betts is gradually recovering but has lost nearly 15 pounds and is focusing on rehydration and regaining strength. Betts, who is making the switch to shortstop full-time, had flu-like symptoms before the team left for Japan and has struggled to recover sufficiently.

Roberts stated that if the severity of Betts' condition had been known, he would not have traveled. In his absence, Miguel Rojas will take over the shortstop duties. The Dodgers are hopeful that Betts can fly back to the U.S. early to rest ahead of the anticipated season opener on March 27.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated headlines this offseason, amassing a star-studded lineup that has left both fans and players vocal about the team's aggressive acquisitions. Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas recounted how fellow players, like Lourdes Gurriel of the Arizona Diamondbacks, voiced their disbelief at the Dodgers' shopping spree, saying, 'How many guys do you need? You guys are signing everyone.'

The Dodgers made waves by signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, re-signing fan-favorite Clayton Kershaw, and adding key players like Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernández, not to mention international sensation Roki Sasaki. Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged the added pressure, emphasizing the need for mental resilience as other teams step up their game against the defending champions in 2025.