You’d think a star player like Mookie Betts could shrug off a minor stomach illness, right? But it turns out that what seemed like a two-day illness developed into a month-long struggle, forcing him to play catch-up in a way no one anticipated. While fans expected him to bounce back quickly, Betts realized there was something missing—something his superstar teammate Shohei Ohtani seemed to have in abundance.
Remember, he missed the Tokyo Series? Known for his speed and ability to play multiple positions, Betts was set to become the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ full-time shortstop in 2025. His move to the infield was highly anticipated after a great stint in the right field. But fate did him dirty. He ended up sustaining a severe stomach illness just as the season was about to start. Besides keeping him off the Dodgers’ season-opening trip to Japan, this condition caused him a notable weight loss of about 20 pounds. The impact? He found it difficult to perform.
Back on the field, Betts encountered difficulties beyond the physical. In April, his batting average fell to .230, a sharp drop from his expected output. Looking back on this period, Betts bluntly called his performance “garbage.” To substantiate his assessment, he referenced his teammate, aka Dodgers prodigy, Ohtani’s hitting ability as a comparison.
Unlike the power-hitter Ohtani, Betts’ game is based on precision and technique. While the 30-year-old may push a ball over the fence with a less-than-ideal swing, Betts’s strength comes from flawless timing and coordination. He acknowledged these limitations, saying, “I’m not Shohei.” He emphasized the challenges of recovering after such a setback. “I can’t, unfortunately, not have my A-swing that day but still run into something and [have it] go over the fence or whatever. Even when I have my A-swing, if I don’t get it, it’s not gonna be a homer. If I don’t flush that ball in that gap, they’re gonna catch it.”
No one likes a performance dip, and the same was true with Betts. The situation was challenging for him, as Dodgers batting coach Van Scoyoc mentioned. He said, “Mentally, it was challenging [for him].” “Just feeling like he didn’t get the benefits of all the hard work [he put in during the offseason].”
But Betts worked hard. He tackled these obstacles with determination and a strict recovery plan. Working with a committed chef, his trainer, and the Dodgers’ performance team, he concentrated on restoring his strength and fine-tuning his swing mechanics. The results started to show.
Despite the early-season setbacks, Betts and the Dodgers are thriving now. The Dodgers’ power duo is performing exceptionally well.
Dodgers’ 2025 surge: The Betts-Ohtani effect
Two superstars have significantly shaped the Dodgers’ performance. The Boys in Blue hold a 24-12 record, leading the National League West division. Betts and Ohtani have highlighted their 2025 season with explosive contributions. Betts’ move to shortstop and Ohtani’s dual-threat talents have strengthened the Dodgers’ lineup and shown the club’s depth and flexibility.
Traditionally known for his excellence in the right field, Betts took on the challenge of playing shortstop full-time in 2025. Betts showed tenacity despite early challenges, including a gastrointestinal condition that caused significant weight loss and a performance drop. As of early May, he has raised his batting average to .264, adding 5 home runs and 21 RBIs. His defensive statistics also show improvement, indicating his dedication to learning a new position and maintaining his place as a crucial player in the Dodgers’ infield.
Meanwhile, Ohtani continued to impress with his outstanding two-way performance. As of early May, he has a batting average of .296, 10 home runs, and 15 RBIs, with a remarkable OPS of 1.006. When he returned to pitching later in the season, his ability to help the Dodgers both offensively and defensively made him an invaluable asset.
The chemistry between Betts and Ohtani has greatly contributed to the Dodgers’ good performance. Their combined efforts have produced a strong lineup that balances power, quickness, and strategic adaptability. The ongoing success of Betts and Ohtani will be vital to the Dodgers’ quest for another title as the season progresses.
The post Mookie Betts Opens Up on Shohei Ohtani Advantage That He Lacks After “Garbage” Month: “I Can’t, Unfortunately” appeared first on EssentiallySports.