Mookie Betts overcame illness early in the season. Why his swing took time to catch up

Mookie Betts, the Dodgers' star player, faced unexpected challenges due to a stomach illness shortly before the season-opening trip to Japan. Initially thinking it was a minor issue, he soon realized the illness persisted for two weeks, resulting in a nearly 20-pound weight loss and hindering his performance. Betts had been optimistic about returning as a shortstop and improving his batting after a strong spring training. However, the aftereffects of the illness—impacting both his physicality and swing—led to bad habits that could affect his early season performance.

I thought it was just gonna be a little two-day sickness, and that was gonna be it. Go to Japan. By the time you get there, probably have a day down. Then be fine by the day before the game.

I didn't realize how coming back so much underweight would affect me even now. Trying to do that 20 pounds lighter, I just created some really, really, really bad habits, man.

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