Dodgers: Mookie Betts sidelined for third consecutive game

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts will miss his third consecutive game on Saturday due to back stiffness.

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened up their 2021 season at home on Friday evening, where they were rewarded with their official World Series rings. The thing is, Dodgers fans have yet to see star outfielder Mookie Betts play at Dodger Stadium with live fans in attendance. Those who have purchased a ticket for Saturday’s game were in for a disappointing recollection.

Betts will remain out of the Dodgers lineup for Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals due to back stiffness. This is now the third consecutive game that Betts has missed with the ailment.

Dodgers: Mookie Betts will sit out for his third straight game due to back injury

The last time Betts took the field was in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Oakland Athletics, where he recorded one home run, two hits and two stolen bases. Even with the team’s off-day on Thursday, Betts’ back has not improved.

Through five games, Betts owns a .348 batting average, .464 on-base percentage and .565 slugging percentage while recording one home run, one RBI, six runs scored and eight hits.

In Betts’ absence, the Dodgers have gone 1-1. Los Angeles lost 4-3 to the Athletics in the tenth-inning, but did get the 1-0 victory over the Nationals in the team’s home opener at Dodger Stadium. While Betts did miss out on playing in the home opener, he did receive his first standing ovation from Dodgers fans since being acquired from the Boston Red Sox in 2020.

While back stiffness has not landed Betts on the injured list, he will sit out for Saturday’s game. It is unknown if he will be good to go for the series finale on Sunday.