Mookie Betts’ Mysterious Illness Revealed as Norovirus

The mystery illness that plagued Mookie Betts to the point of losing nearly 20 lbs has been revealed: norovirus.

The three-time World Series champion was sent home from Tokyo during the Dodgers’ regular season opener against the Chicago Cubs, where they swept the series 2-0. He was also unable to take the field during their preseason games against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday and Tuesday.

Initially, doctors were unable to diagnose the star. He was fighting vomiting spells and had difficulty keeping solid foods down. Betts blamed the plane ride to Tokyo for exacerbating the illness, saying, “That plane ride was brutal. The worst plane ride I’ve ever had,” he said. “I thought I would at least give myself a couple of days to kind of heal. Literally every time I tried to fuel my body, I would throw it up.”

Now, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, an emerging theory within the club is that Betts has been diagnosed with norovirus:

Betts missed the Dodgers’ opening two games in Japan last week while battling a stomach virus, one that is believed to be a case of norovirus, according to multiple people with knowledge of the situation.

Despite this, the 2018 American League MVP looks set to start against the Detroit Tigers in their homecoming season opener on Thursday. While his time away from the baseball field hasn’t been ideal, it also highlights the depth of talent the Dodgers have at their disposal.

Manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters yesterday before the game against the Angels, saying that they feel much better about Betts’ condition leading up to the Tigers clash:

The strength testing that he’s done speaks to his strength and where it’s at, which is a good thing. The dehydration has been managed and he’s holding down food the past couple days. So, all signs pointed towards where we’ve turned a corner, and we feel good about where he’s at before tonight.