Mookie Betts hopes new bat speed and workout routine will restore his offense

Mookie Betts says he has regained weight and bat speed after a mysterious stomach illness last year and is using mobility work and new training routines to try to restore his offensive form.

Mookie Betts says he feels more like himself as the Dodgers near the end of spring camp. He missed time last year after a mysterious stomach ailment cost him significant weight and coincided with his lowest offensive numbers as a Dodger. Betts remains a capable shortstop, finishing as a Gold Glove finalist and helping the team in last season's postseason. He and the Dodgers are concentrating on restoring his bat speed and consistency at the plate while he follows new mobility and training routines. Key details: - Betts is weighing about 180 pounds and says his strength and timing have returned. - Betts said losing weight reduced his bat speed by as much as 10 mph, while hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc estimated a 4–5 mph loss. - The article reports Betts averaged 69 mph bat speed for the season, 69.5 mph in the postseason, and had a recorded peak of 71.4 mph in 2023; the league average last season was reported as 71.8 mph. - Manager Dave Roberts said Betts could again reach MVP-level offensive performance, according to the report. - Betts has adopted mobility work and nontraditional drills influenced by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, including morning stretching, javelin throwing for throwing mechanics, and work with trainer Osamu Yada. Summary: Betts reports regained bat speed, improved consistency, and new mobility-focused training that he says have helped his game. How that carries into regular-season performance is undetermined at this time.