rewrite this title Mookie Betts Was Away From Dodgers Due to Family Member’s Death, Says Dave Roberts

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts missed Friday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, and is set to arrive around first pitch for Saturday’s game at Fenway Park.

More news: Dodgers Lineup vs Red Sox: Mookie Betts Out Again, Hyeseong Kim Starting vs LHP

Manager Dave Roberts revealed Betts was in Nashville for personal reasons, and confirmed the Dodgers star’s absence was related to death in his family.

“There might be some things going on that he might not be around, that he’s got to deal with personally,” Roberts said on Wednesday. “Everything is okay with him, but yeah, we’ll see.”

Roberts added that Betts could be available to pinch-hit for Saturday’s game, but the decision will be made once he joins the team.

Betts has struggled to find his stride at the plate this season, and is hitting just .172 with a .478 OPS over his last 30 games. The All-Star has posted career-lows in several offensive categories, and it’s unclear when Betts will turn a corner.

The Gold Glover made the unprecedented transition from right field to shortstop, and has proved he can play above-average defense at his new position. Betts ranks in the 76th percentile in Outs Above Average, an indication he is performing well as the Dodgers starting shortstop.

Roberts recently moved Shohei Ohtani out of the leadoff spot, and instead made Betts the No. 1 hitter. Since the move, Betts has gone just 3-for-17.

“It’s very difficult,” Betts said last week. “I haven’t figured it out. So, obviously, it’s super difficult. But I’ll tell you one thing: I definitely love the process of it. I definitely love the process of trying to figure out who I am, where I’m at, the work. I haven’t found it, and it sucks. 

Betts previously dealt with a stomach illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds. He was unavailable to play in the Tokyo Series when the Dodgers traveled to Japan to kick off the season.

Whether Betts’ offensive struggles can be linked to the sickness or new position, it’s evident the Dodgers star is doing everything possible to return to full form.

Photo Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

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