MLB told Dodgers that Betts won't be implicated in cheating probe

Major League Baseball is expected to soon complete its investigation into the Boston Red Sox for potentially cheating in 2018 but has told the Los Angeles Dodgers that newly acquired outfielder Mookie Betts won't be implicated, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

"I know with our front office, we do a lot of our due diligence before we make a deal," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "We have no questions or any concerns, none at all."

Betts and left-hander David Price were traded from the Red Sox to the Dodgers in early February after an initial three-team trade with the Minnesota Twins went sideways. The cheating probe brought the potential for awkwardness in the clubhouse, as the Dodgers were on the losing end of the 2018 World Series when the Red Sox hoisted the Commissioner's Trophy.

Those concerns have been quickly alleviated, and the club is looking toward a third World Series berth in four years.

"Our goal is to win a championship and everyone in the room is going to contribute to that," third baseman Justin Turner said.

The Red Sox are under investigation for accusations of illegal sign-stealing, similar to the charges levied at the Houston Astros for their 2017 season. The league released a report in January confirming the Astros cheated en route to winning the Fall Classic that year.

Since Boston's purported scheme is believed to have been less pervasive and systemic, punishment for those involved is expected to be less severe than the year-long suspensions issued to former Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and skipper AJ Hinch.