Kendall George, a 21-year-old first-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, hurt his knee Monday while playing for the Tulsa Drillers against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at home. [1, 2] The injury happened in the second inning as George was scoring on an RBI single and jumped out of the way to avoid a bat dog that was running to retrieve a bat. [1, 2]
George, batting .333 with 26 stolen bases in 43 games this season, had to leave the game due to the injury. [1, 2] Initial MRI results showed no ligament damage, and he may not require surgery. [1]
The Tulsa Drillers have suspended their bat dog program, which had operated for five seasons and was generally well-liked by players, following George's injury. [1] Drillers first baseman Brandon Lewis said, "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. So I don’t think it’s a big problem." [1]
The bat dogs have been a fixture during Tulsa’s games, but the team decided to pause the program as a precaution after the incident. [1] George’s status beyond the initial MRI is still being evaluated to determine his recovery timeline. [1]
The Drillers announced the suspension of their bat dog program on May 28, three days after the injury occurred. [1]
The team and George continue to monitor his condition ahead of upcoming games this season. [1]
