The game will proceed, despite the less-than-ideal air quality.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the matchup between the Dodgers and Orioles at Dodger Stadium is set to continue, even as thick smoke from a large warehouse fire affects much of Los Angeles, potentially making conditions uncomfortable for some attendees.
“From what I know, we’re moving ahead, and we’re not at any risk,” Roberts remarked about two hours before the game was scheduled to begin. “For now, it seems like the league prefers to keep playing.”
Even though the day started off dreary at the stadium, reports indicated that air quality was acceptable and might improve throughout the day.
More than four hours prior to the first pitch, smoke from the nearby fire in Boyle Heights engulfed the stadium in a dense, unpleasant haze.
“It’s a bit dark outside, and driving down there, it felt like I was in Gotham City,” Roberts said thoughtfully. “But I’m optimistic that the situation will improve.”
Stadium staff and media were caught off guard, scrambling for masks, while ground crew members, who started preparing around 9:30 a.m., had no protection.
The smoke was so thick that visibility was limited, even to the trees on the hillside beyond the outfield and the nearby parking area. Breathing without a mask felt uncomfortable.
The Orioles have no plan to return to Southern California after their third straight game against the Angels, which kicks off Monday.
Rescheduling the game seemed challenging, particularly as the Dodgers are headed to Minnesota after this match.
A state of emergency was declared the day before as firefighters battled a fire that erupted Wednesday in a huge commercial building that stored millions of pounds of frozen food.
Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts stated he hadn’t encountered any issues when he arrived at the stadium.
“I was unaware there was a fire until just now,” Betts shared after settling into his locker. “Honestly, I didn’t notice much. I caught a whiff of something, but didn’t really think about it. We’ll see how it goes.”
With the Dodgers heading to Minnesota and the Orioles not returning, rescheduling the game could be tough.
Good news about Blake Treinen
Roberts mentioned that an MRI on reliever Blake Treinen’s right elbow showed no structural damage.
“There was swelling, which I believe is due to a mixture of wear and tear,” Roberts explained regarding the condition that led to Treinen being placed on the injured list. “I don’t anticipate it being a long-term issue. He’s on the IL for two weeks, but I remain hopeful it won’t be longer.”
Will Smith’s return timeline
Manager Roberts noted that catcher Will Smith, dealing with a stiff neck, won’t join the team on their upcoming 10-day road trip, indicating he might stay on the injured list for a bit longer.
In an ideal scenario, Smith could start baseball activities next week and potentially be back in action by early next month—though rehab might not be necessary unless he progresses as expected.
Rehabilitation plan
Roberts announced that outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, recovering from a left hamstring strain, will start his rehab in Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday before rejoining Sacramento for a three-game series beginning June 29.
Father’s Day considerations
The Dodgers have scheduled a day game following a night game, which led to utility player Tommy Edman and catcher Dalton Rushing being left out of the starting lineup as part of their planned break.
