Shortstop Mookie Betts has returned to Los Angeles to continue recovering from an illness that will cause him to miss the Dodgers’ first two games of the regular season at the Tokyo Dome.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts will miss both games of the upcoming Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of illness, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has announced. However, Betts is expected to recover in time to play in the Dodgers' stateside opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 27.

TOKYO — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts won’t be available for Opening Day and will not take part in either of the two Tokyo Series games against the Chicago Cubs due to a lingering illness, manager Dave Roberts said on Monday. The Dodgers are contemplating sending the former MVP home early to Los Angeles to continue to recuperate.