Mookie Betts DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is starting at shortstop and is batting in his customary No. 2 spot for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. Betts didn't play in the season-opening two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan, due to a pretty serious illness that caused him to lose almost 20 pounds. The 32-year-old former MVP was able to return to the team's exhibition game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, though, going 0-for-3. Betts should be locked into fantasy lineups in season-long leagues despite the fact that he's facing the reigning American League Cy Young winner, but those playing DFS will probably want to avoid Betts as he tries to regain his strength following a multi-week illness. Betts has never faced Skubal in his career.

Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Mookie Betts (illness) expects to play on Opening Day. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that Betts needed to get through Tuesday's contest before committing. He started at shortstop and did not face any setbacks during the contest. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but it appears the 32-year-old will be in the starting nine on Thursday when the Dodgers host the Detroit Tigers. Last season, Betts posted a stellar .289/.372/.491 slash line with 24 doubles, 19 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. He generated an elite .356 xwOBA and .282 xBA, which placed him in the 90th and 92nd percentile, respectively. He also posted an excellent 11.0 percent strikeout rate and an 11.8 percent walk rate. When healthy, he will likely bat in the two-hole behind Shohei Ohtani.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is back at shortstop and is hitting second for Tuesday's exhibition game against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels. Betts fell ill just before the Dodgers departed for Tokyo, Japan, and missed both of their wins against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday and Wednesday. Although the 32-year-old former MVP reportedly lost around 20 pounds due to the illness, he's been feeling better of late and is giving it a go in the team's final exhibition game before their home opener this Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. It remains to be seen how effective Betts will be on the field, but he should be in the starting lineup on Thursday and in all starting fantasy lineups as well against lefty Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner. In 11 Cactus League games, Betts went 6-for-25 (.240) with a homer, three RBI and three runs scored.