The Los Angeles Dodgers are back in North America after winning the first two games of the 2025 MLB season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan.

There was so much to cheer for amid the fanfare and excitement, but a key All-Star on the roster talked about the most difficult parts of the trip.

Before the team even boarded the plane to the Tokyo Series, there was doubt surrounding superstar Mookie Betts.

An illness kept him out of the team’s final two Cactus League matchups and, upon arrival to Japan, out of the two exhibition games played at the Tokyo Dome. After losing close to 15 pounds, Betts was on a plane back home before Opening Day.

As that Opening Day game neared, so did the second gut punch.

An injury identical to one of the few he was battling in October, Freddie Freeman cited rib discomfort hours before the first pitch was thrown to open up the MLB season. He was out of the lineup for both contests.

All-Star third baseman Max Muncy told The Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett how amazing the trip was for the team, but how missed their two pillars were in the lineup.

“We just played two games without two star players,” Muncy said. “We get told that Mookie’s not going to be able to go, he’s not going to be here, he’s going to fly back home. Then we get told right before the (first) game that Freddie can’t play.”

In classic Dodgers fashion, Muncy also explained how the two major negatives were turned into a positive.

“Man, here’s two gut punches before the season even starts. ‘Hang with ’em guys. The Cubs are a really good team. You’re facing two really good pitchers.’ I think guys kind of stepped up. As much of a gut punch as it was, a lot of us just said, ‘Alright, let’s go out and win a game.’ We know when we get back, we’ll have those two guys. But right now, we have to do it with who we have.”

The mentality to win even through injury is something that the Dodgers used for so much of last season, ultimately resulting in a championship. Hopefully, there will be less ailments to fight through in 2025, but the team has shown a small sample of what they can do down two MVPs.

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​The Los Angeles Dodgers demonstrated resilience in their recent Tokyo Series sweep against the Chicago Cubs, overcoming significant challenges to secure both victories. In the series opener, the team faced the unexpected absences of key players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Betts was sidelined due to a severe stomach virus that led to considerable weight loss, necessitating his early return to Los Angeles. Freeman experienced discomfort in his left rib, the same area where he had previously suffered broken cartilage during the postseason, leading to his late scratch from the lineup. ​Los Angeles Times

Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers showcased their depth and adaptability. Shohei Ohtani, who admitted to pre-game nerves, played a pivotal role by recording two hits and scoring twice in the opening game. Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run over five innings. ​The Guardian+1Los Angeles Times+1

In the second game, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki made his MLB debut. While his velocity impressed, reaching up to 101 mph, he struggled with control, issuing five walks over three innings. Nevertheless, the Dodgers’ bullpen stepped up, limiting the Cubs to two runs over six innings and securing a 6-3 victory. ​New York Post+1Reuters+1Reuters

Reflecting on the series, an unnamed Dodgers All-Star described the absences of Betts and Freeman as “two gut punches,” emphasizing the team’s ability to adapt and persevere. This resilience not only led to a successful start to their season but also highlighted the team’s depth and unity in the face of adversity. ​

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