The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the Boston Red Sox in a highly awaited series starting Friday at Fenway Park, one of baseball’s most iconic venues. This series also brings attention to star outfielder Mookie Betts, who is expected to return to the Dodgers’ lineup this weekend amid ongoing personal challenges and a career slump.
Although Betts has been away for personal reasons and was not present on opening day, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the player should arrive in Boston by Saturday’s game. Whether Betts will immediately participate in the lineup remains uncertain, but his presence alone is a notable development for the team and fans alike.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Comments on Betts’ Status
Speaking from Fenway Park, Roberts addressed Betts’s absence and upcoming arrival cautiously. While not guaranteeing Betts will play, Roberts acknowledged the off-field concerns that have kept Betts away from the team recently. Roberts conveyed,
“There might be some things going on that he might not be around, that he’s got to deal with personally. Everything is OK with him, but yeah, we’ll see.”
Beat writer Fabian Ardaya shared updates via social media, quoting Roberts:
“Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts is expected to arrive in Boston tomorrow around first pitch. TBD if he will be in the lineup. He’s away from the team for personal reasons.”
—Fabian Ardaya, Beat Writer
Betts Battles Through One of the Toughest Slumps of His Career
Betts is currently facing a notable dip in performance, statistically one of the most challenging stretches of his professional career. As the season moves past its midpoint, his batting average stands at .238—a career low. His on-base percentage and slugging percentage have also dropped to career lows, at .309 and .370 respectively, along with a .679 OPS, reflecting a sharp decline in offensive production.
These struggles are particularly surprising given Betts’s past consistency. Several factors have been considered for the slump, including difficulties handling the slider pitch and adjustments related to his position changes, having moved from the outfield to third base last year and then to shortstop this season.
Discussing his unusual form, Betts admitted the challenge, saying,
“It’s all new. I’ve never been this bad for this long.”
—Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder
Betts Reflects on Difficulties and His Commitment to Improvement
At 32 years old, Betts remains engaged with his craft despite the setbacks. His recent performance slump has been difficult, but not attributed primarily to age, as he had a strong previous season with an average of .289, 19 home runs, and an .863 OPS over 116 games despite injuries.
Betts expressed his frustration candidly, while emphasizing his dedication to improvement and the process of self-discovery. He said,
“I haven’t figured it out. So, obviously, it’s super difficult. But I’ll tell you one thing: I definitely love the process of it. I definitely love the process of trying to figure out who I am, where I’m at, the work. I haven’t found it, and it sucks. Going out there every night, going 0-for-4, that part of the day truly sucks. But you see it. All day, I’m out here working and hitting, and I love it. I love that. It’s the best part.”
—Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers Outfielder
Significance of Betts’ Return for the Dodgers
The arrival of Mookie Betts this weekend holds significant importance for the Dodgers, both on and off the field. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s offense and morale, given his reputation as a key contributor. More broadly, watching how Betts manages his personal struggles while trying to regain his form will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike as the season progresses.
As the Dodgers and Red Sox meet in this rare interleague series, Betts’ situation adds an extra layer of narrative—highlighting the human side of professional sports, where personal challenges and professional highs and lows intersect. His return could signal a turning point not only for his performance but also for the team’s overall outlook in the challenging season ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mookie Betts a billionaire?
A. In 2025, Mookie Betts is thought to have a net worth of about $70 million. Over time, he has become a top player in Major League Baseball. His smart financial choices were mainly aimed at ensuring his future security.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts break?
A. In Los Angeles, Dodgers player Mookie Betts injured his left hand after being hit by a pitch in the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
Q. What was Mookie Betts’ illness?
A. Mookie Betts was absent for a portion of the season’s start because of a stomach virus, though he wasn’t sure when it began.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts fracture?
A. Betts is expected to miss a lot of time after a pitch broke his left hand. Manager Dave Roberts said surgery isn’t required, and it won’t end his season. However, they don’t know when he will be back. Roberts added, “He just needs to rest and let his hand heal.”