Baseball can be a risky game. Batters are forced to duck 100 mph fastballs, pitchers regularly blow out their elbows and outfielders crash into each other while sprinting to catch flyballs. Now they can add dogs to the list of dangers.
On Wednesday, the California Post reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor-league affiliate in Tulsa, the Drillers, are suspending their bat dog program after one of the team’s top prospects was injured.
Kendall George, a first-round pick for the Dodgers in 2023 known for his blazing speed, injured his knee when he jumped out of the way of a bat dog as he came home to score in Tulsa’s home win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Monday. Many minor league teams use dogs to retrieve discarded bats and melt fans’ hearts.
George, who looked frustrated by the dog’s commitment to its job, is having a good season, batting .333 and stealing 26 bases in 43 games. ESPN reported that the 21-year-old’s initial MRI revealed no ligament damage and may avoid surgery.
The Drillers have used bat dogs for the last five seasons. In previous years, Drillers players have said they enjoy seeing the dogs at work.
“You see the play happening, you see the dog run, you give him some time to get the bat and then make your way out there,” said Drillers first baseman Brandon Lewis in 2024. “So I don’t think it’s a big problem.”
