When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced plans to renovate Dodger Stadium, one of the more notable changes was due to come with an overhauled pavilion that would see the creation of a new center field plaza.
While fans may need to wait until 2021 to enjoy the new amenities at Dodger Stadium, minor adjustments have already been required to appease players. Max Muncy didn’t delve into details, but he suggested the new batter’s eye was a factor in being hit by a pitch in his left ring finger.
“It’s just something we’ll have to get used to,” Muncy said. “It’s different than what we’ve had here. I will say I know pitchers are pretty happy about the batter’s eye out there. It’s just something we have to get used to.”
Muncy was hit Sunday night and has been held out of action since. Though, Muncy said if it were the regular season or playoffs, he would be able to play through the pain.
Other players voiced their thoughts and concerns with the organization as well, and black tarp returned to the sections in right- and left-field pavilions that are closest to the batter’s eye for Friday’s intrasquad game.
“I guess that no news is good news as far as from the hitters,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before play Saturday. “We didn’t hear any complaining.
“I think that putting the tarps on both sides, I think that certainly helped the situation because even now, it kind of really comes out there from the first base side and so the right-handed hitter at times, that crossfire is a tough visual. So I think that’s definitely a good step in the right direction. Just speaks to the continuity of the organization and players.”
Saturday would figure to provide another test as the Dodgers played their first early afternoon intrasquad game. Regardless, there figures to be minor adjustments leading up to Opening Day on July 23. One of which may be with the painting on the facade of the new structure in center field.
“I think potentially there was a little bit of a higher gloss paint and so from what I’ve heard, it’s more going to be a matte finish but I don’t know if that’s 100% done,” Roberts added.
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