The influx of Japanese players on the Dodgers' roster has allowed the Okinawa-born Dave Roberts to reconnect with his background, and now he's poised to guide his team in a season-opening series in Tokyo.

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered one of the biggest blows before the opening day game against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo. Right fielder Mookie Betts made headlines after he was sidelined due to an illness during the Dodgers’ trip to Tokyo.

Shortstop Mookie Betts will miss the Los Angeles Dodgers' two exhibition games in Japan because of an illness, manager Dave Roberts said Saturday. Roberts said he's still hopeful that the eight-time All-Star will be available for the team's first regular season game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at the Tokyo Dome.