Betts scratched, 'scared to eat' amid mystery illness
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Los Angeles Angels as he continues to battle a mystery illness that's plagued him during spring training.
Betts said he opted not to play because he can't keep food down.
The eight-time All-Star revealed he's lost around 25 pounds and hasn't been able to eat solid foods since two days before the Dodgers left for Japan.
"Every time I've eaten, I've thrown up. Hopefully I can hold something down. I'm scared to eat, so I don't really know what do," Betts told reporters.
Mookie updates the media on his health. pic.twitter.com/qLMtTtFVnL
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Betts traveled with the Dodgers to Japan for the Tokyo Series but flew back to Los Angeles early when he was unable to play due to the illness. He called the back-and-forth travel two of the worst flights of his life.
"My vitals, everything has come back clean, blood tests, everything has come back clean, healthy. I guess it's just something to do with my stomach being really aggregated," Betts said.
The 32-year-old said he received two litres of IV fluids while in Japan and has only been able to digest smoothies since becoming ill. He says he feels strong enough to play despite the weight loss.
"Even though I'm light I can still play. If I didn't throw up today I absolutely was in there," Betts said.
The former MVP has 25 at-bats under his belt this spring and has slashed .240/.276/.360 with three RBIs.