When the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays resume the 2020 World Series with Game 3 on Friday night, they will do so playing at Globe Life Field with the roof closed. It marks a first such instance this postseason at the Texas Rangers home ballpark.
The Dodgers’ three-game series at Globe Life Field during the regular season was played with retractable roof closed. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the beginning of the National League Division Series that metrics showed the ball traveled roughly 10 more feet when it was open.
Whipping winds and cold temperatures were not enough for MLB to close the roof for Game 4 of the NL Championship Series. Reports were the league was committed to preserving air circulation with fans in attendance for the NLCS.
It rained overnight in the Dallas area and Friday morning saw lightning and thunderstorms. “Given Friday’s forecasted temperatures, wind chill and the possibility of rain, the Commissioner’s Office has determined that the roof of Globe Life Field will be closed for Game Three,” MLB said in a statement.
The roof will be closed tonight for Game 3 of the #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/F7RCffjyl8
— Globe Life Field (@GlobeLifeField) October 23, 2020
“MLB, which consulted with medical advisors in reaching this decision, believes that a closed roof will provide the best competitive environment for players and the most comfort for fans without jeopardizing their safety in any way.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was surprised by MLB’s decision to keep the roof open during Game 4 of the NLCS, and it also caught Clayton Kershaw and Edwin Rios off guard.
“Honestly I don’t know what the weather was really doing last night,” Justin Turner said the following day. “On the field we couldn’t tell if the wind was blowing in or out, across or whatnot. Whatever happens, that’s out of our control.
“That’s not something we can worry about. We’ve just got to show up and find a way to win a ballgame.”
World Series Game 3 probables
With the Fall Classic tied at one game apiece, right-handers Walker Buehler and Charlie Morton will duel in a pivotal swing game.
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