When Mookie Betts explained his decision to skip participation in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, it was to recover from what he described as nagging injuries. Those were believed to be left shoulder trouble and back soreness that led to brief stretches of missed time in the first half.
Betts came out of the All-Star break on a tear and looking refreshed, but was removed early on July 17 due to a previously undisclosed right hip issue. That since has been referred to both as a hip pointer and inflammation, and limited the five-time All-Star in the second half.