In a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be without their star outfielder Mookie Betts as they prepare to face the Chicago Cubs in a highly anticipated two-game series in Tokyo.

Betts is currently battling a serious illness that has resulted in a concerning weight loss of nearly 15 pounds in just a few days, as confirmed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

At 180 pounds, Betts's rapid decline in weight has raised alarms within the Dodgers' organization, particularly with concerns that he may become more prone to soft tissue injuries while trying to recover.

This news underscores the 32-year-old's struggle to regain his strength, raising questions about his readiness for gameplay.

Sources from MLB state that Betts's illness is not contagious, a small relief for teammates as it forced him to miss not only the Dodgers' exhibition games at Tokyo Dome over the weekend but also the important Cactus League finale the week prior.

The front office suggests that had they anticipated the extent of Betts's condition, he might not have made the trip to Japan at all.

Last season, the Dodgers celebrated a triumphant World Series win, but the 2024 campaign has been less forgiving for Betts.

He endured a challenging season, having missed significant time due to a fracture in his hand, which occurred after being hit by a pitch.

Despite these setbacks, Betts maintained a commendable batting average of .289, contributing 75 RBIs and cranking out 19 home runs.

His performance in the postseason was particularly clutch, with five hits and four RBIs during the decisive game against the New York Yankees, securing the championship for Los Angeles.

As the Dodgers take the field in Japan, all eyes will be on Betts's recovery process.

Supporters hope he can bounce back swiftly and return to the diamond, as the team's quest for another championship continues.

Fans are left wondering how this unexpected health crisis will impact both Betts's performance and the overall dynamic of the Dodgers moving forward—stay tuned for updates!