Dodgers' Mookie Betts Returns After Family Death During Boston Series

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts missed the opening game of a weekend series against his former team, the Boston Red Sox, due to a death in the family, traveling to Nashville to be with relatives. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Betts returned to Fenway Park during Saturday's game and pinch hit in the ninth inning, striking out to end the contest. Betts has struggled offensively this season, batting .237 with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs, which some attribute to his full-time shift to shortstop and a stomach bug earlier in the year that caused significant weight loss. Despite his down year, Betts's return was notable as he remains a highly accomplished player, having won the 2018 AL MVP award and multiple World Series titles with both the Red Sox and Dodgers. He signed a lucrative $365 million, 12-year contract with the Dodgers after being traded in 2020. Fans anticipated his return to Fenway, where some wore his jerseys and local bars acknowledged his presence during the series.