The Los Angeles Dodgers are scheduled to play the Baltimore Orioles at 1:10 p.m. PT on Sunday despite smoke from a nearby warehouse fire in Boyle Heights drifting over Dodger Stadium. Manager Dave Roberts stated that the team plans to move forward with the game, provided air quality does not worsen, as Major League Baseball continues to monitor the health and safety of players and fans.
Why is the game status currently in question?
The Boyle Heights fire, which began at a storage facility on Wednesday, has resulted in smoke spreading throughout Los Angeles County. According to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the city declared a state of emergency on Saturday to ensure necessary resources are available to manage the major, multi-jurisdictional incident. California Governor Gavin Newsom noted that the state is prepared to assist in safeguarding public health as the Los Angeles Fire Department continues its response efforts.
What could happen if conditions change?
While the game is currently proceeding as scheduled, Major League Baseball maintains that it will factor the health and safety of attendees and participants into its final decision. If air quality deteriorates significantly, it is possible that league officials could delay or reschedule the contest. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that as of Sunday morning, the league’s position is that the teams are not in jeopardy and will play as planned.
Context for Sunday’s matchup
This Sunday contest serves as the rubber match of a three-game series between the Dodgers and the Orioles. The teams split the first two games, with the Dodgers winning 6-5 on Friday behind a walk-off hit from Dalton Rushing, while the Orioles secured a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan is slated to take the mound for the Dodgers against Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. Fans can access the broadcast via SportsNet LA, the MLB app, or radio stations AM570 and KTNQ 1020 AM.
