Freshly removed from their first off day in more than two weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a six-game road trip Tuesday night against the San Francisco Giants. After playing three games at Oracle Park, the Dodgers will head to Texas for a weekend series with the Rangers.
L.A. is leaving behind intense heat at Dodger Stadium but will have to brave other elements while in San Francisco. The entire Bay Area has been impacted by hundreds of wildfires in Northern California, which has impacted San Francisco air quality.
“For all of us, just following the lead of people that know more than we do. Hopefully, safety should be at the forefront,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday. “I have read and heard about it.
“I know one of the days we’re going to try to stay off the field as much as possible but you’re still going to play a three-hour baseball game. We’re going to continue to move forward business as usual unless we hear otherwise.”
Weather reports indicate smoke is most visible in the mornings, when winds are at their lightest gust. Depending on how winds blow and ultimately shift throughout the day, it influences where the smoke begins to settle and impacts the air quality.
While Roberts has safety for all at the forefront of his mind, the wildfires in the region also are impacting his off-the-field wine passion. Roberts is one of three families that came together to form Red Stitch wines.
“Honestly, it’s scary. I think the burgundies, pinots and chardonnay, it might be a tough 2020 vintage with the smoke damage,” he said.
Dodgers roar through first half
Despite playing a stretch of 17 consecutive games that concluded Sunday, the Dodgers didn’t show any signs of fatigue as they reached the midway point of the season. L.A. went 13-4 during the most challenging portion of their schedule, and at 22-8 boast the best record in baseball.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Roberts said. “Coming out of Summer Camp, I felt that we were really prepared and really focused.
“You never know how it’s going to play out as far as wins and losses, but I really felt good about the players we had and preparation leading into the season. It’s good to see we’re playing some good baseball.”
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