Why Isn't Mookie Betts in Dodgers Lineup on Friday vs Red Sox?

Jul 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) in the dugout prior to the first inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Boston Red Sox.

Manager Dave Roberts alluded to this potentially happening on Wednesday, saying Betts had some personal things to attend to.

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“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.”

That ended up being the case, as Betts is officially out of the lineup Friday, and isn't with the team in Boston.

Roberts told reporters ahead of Friday's game that Betts is currently in his hometown of Nashville and expected to arrive in Boston on Saturday right around game time. His status for Saturday's game is currently up in the air, as well.

Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts is in Nashville and is expected to arrive tomorrow close to game time tomorrow. #Dodgers #RedSox

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 25, 2025

Betts is in the midst of a trying year, as the former outfielder has a career low OPS of .679, well below his career OPS of .897 entering this season.

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Betts hasn't been able to break out of his seemingly season long slump, and doesn't have an answer for his struggles.

“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. Going out there every night, going 0-for-4, that part of the day truly sucks. But you see it. All day, I’m out here working and hitting, and I love it. I love that. It’s the best part.”

The Dodgers have tried mixing things up by having Betts hit leadoff ahead of Shohei Ohtani. Since the move, Betts has gone just 3-for-17.

Miguel Rojas is playing shortstop for the Dodgers on Friday in place of Betts.

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