Kendall George, a top prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, may require surgery after a freak knee injury caused by a bat dog during a minor league game. The incident occurred on Monday when George, playing for the Tulsa Drillers, jumped to avoid a dog retrieving a discarded bat as he scored a run.
Injury Details
The 21-year-old outfielder, known for his speed, was injured in the home win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. An initial MRI showed no ligament damage, and surgery may be avoided, but the team is monitoring his condition closely. George has been performing well this season, batting .333 with 26 stolen bases in 43 games.
Bat Dog Program Suspended
The Drillers have suspended their bat dog program, which has been in place for the past five seasons. The decision comes after the injury, though players previously expressed enjoyment of the dogs. First baseman Brandon Lewis noted in 2024 that the dogs were not considered a problem, as players could time their movements accordingly.
Bat dogs are a common feature in minor league baseball, used to retrieve bats and entertain fans. However, this incident highlights the potential risks. The Drillers have not announced when or if the program will resume.
