Baseball, already fraught with risks from fastballs and collisions, now faces a new hazard: dogs. The Los Angeles Dodgers' minor-league affiliate, the Tulsa Drillers, have suspended their bat dog program after one of the team's top prospects suffered a freak knee injury while avoiding the canine.
Injury Details
Kendall George, a first-round pick for the Dodgers in 2023 known for his exceptional speed, injured his knee on Monday during Tulsa's home win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. As George came home to score, he jumped out of the way of a bat dog that was retrieving a discarded bat. Many minor league teams employ such dogs to collect bats and endear themselves to fans.
George, who appeared frustrated by the dog's dedication to its task, has been enjoying a stellar season, batting .333 and stealing 26 bases in 43 games. According to ESPN, an initial MRI showed no ligament damage, and he may avoid surgery.
Program Suspension
The Drillers have used bat dogs for the past five seasons. In previous years, players expressed appreciation for the dogs' presence. "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."
However, following the incident, the team has decided to suspend the program pending further review. The California Post reported the suspension on Wednesday.
