Saturday marked the start of an intriguing five-game stretch for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they began another series with the Houston Astros and are next slated to face the San Diego Padres.
However, the start of the weekend brought about some concern over the possibility of the Dodgers heading to Petco Park for the start of a three-game series that will have significant implications on the National League West.
Minutes before scheduled first pitch for the series opener against the Padres, the game was postponed due to a player within the San Francisco Giants organization testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Saturday’s game was also postponed.
“You’re looking at the clubhouse staff in San Diego, the clubhouse itself, I know Major League Baseball is on top of it,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, downplaying concern. “Just to make sure we don’t put ourselves in harm’s way.
“It’s just another reminder that it can happen at any point in time. Now the Padres and Giants have to deal with a whole other set of circumstances.”
Since Roberts’ comments, MLB determined the Giants player was a false positive, and a doubleheader against the Padres was cleared to be played Sunday. This was the first instance for either the Padres or Giants having a game impacted by COVID-19.
Scott Alexander, Tony Gonsolin, Kenley Jansen and AJ Pollock are among Dodgers who revealed they produced a positive test prior to the start of Summer Camp. Gonsolin has maintained his was a false positive as every ensuing test he took came back negative.
The Dodgers, who led by Justin Turner imposed stricter guidelines on top of MLB’s health and safety protocols, have avoided a player contracting the virus since the season began.
“I think we’ve been very good as an organization and certainly luck has a factor as well,” Roberts said.
L.A. air quality
While the Dodgers were mindful of their safety ahead of facing the Padres, the team was faced with a challenge at Dodger Stadium due to poor air quality in L.A. and much of Southern California because of raging wildfires.
“It doesn’t look great out there. We originally had batting practice scheduled and some activity on the field. We kind of put that to bed,” Roberts said prior to facing the Astros.
“I think as the day goes on it should get a little bit better. Until we hear otherwise, we’re going to move forward as planned.”
In addition to Joe Kelly throwing a bullpen session, the Dodgers gathered for a team photo on the field and Justin Turner took some grounders at third base as he works to return from a strained left hamstring.
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