Dodgers Stars Return to Lineup Following Absence From Tokyo Series

Gabe Smallson | Mar 23, 2025

Oct 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with shortstop Mookie Betts (50) after they scored during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in game five of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers will finally be able to see their superstars back in the lineup.

With Mookie Betts missing the last two Cactus League games, two exhibition games in Japan, plus the first two regular season games of 2025 due to an illness, he is finally on the lineup card for a spring matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.

Freddie Freeman was a late scratch in Tokyo mere hours before Opening Day with rib discomfort. After missing both regular season games in Japan, he too will be back against the Halos.

Tonight’s #DodgersST lineup vs. Angels: pic.twitter.com/r2Rw8pLhXF

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 23, 2025

More news: Dodgers Implementing Easier Way for Fans to Get Into Dodger Stadium in 2025

Betts had been raising concerns over his health for quite some time as he eventually was forced to leave Japan early and recover from home. He was reportedly losing weight and taking constant stops during warmups to rest with his hands on his knees. 

The World Series MVP had an equally concerning case. 

Freeman was supposed to be representing during the Opening Series games but the same injury that nagged him throughout October in a similar spot was acting up. This naturally gave manager Dave Roberts some doubt as he scratched him from the lineup for the series.

Now that both of the former MVPs are back in the lineup, Dodgers fans can let out a giant sigh of relief. 

More news: Former Dodgers Outfielder Signs With National League Rival Powerhouse

Freeman was having himself a productive spring only a few months removed from offseason ankle surgery, batting .280/.308/.720 and an OPS of 1.028 in his nine Cactus League games. He even launched three home runs and added six RBIs. 

Betts played 11 Cactus League contests, batting .240/.276/.360 with a home run, three RBIs, and no strikeouts. Losing him for those last two Cactus League games and the Tokyo Series hurt, but the final three exhibition games of spring will be about getting right for the rest of the regular season. 

The boys in blue will be playing in a newly renovated Dodger Stadium Sunday evening against the crosstown rivals at 5:10 pm. 

More news: 3 Former Dodgers Have Been Deemed 3 Inches Shorter Following New MLB Measurements

For more Dodgers news, head over to Dodgers on SI.