Chicago, Illinois – Rain showers may not have reached Lake Michigan levels at Wrigley Field on Sunday, but they certainly made an impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers in an 8-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The soggy conditions led to frustration for Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas, who voiced concerns about player safety due to the waterlogged field.
Rojas, who had slipped out of the batter’s box and committed an error just before the game was halted in the fourth inning, expressed his displeasure to the umpires about the delay and what he perceived as unsafe field conditions. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety over rushing to complete the game in less than ideal conditions.
The Dodgers struggled with their infield defense, as errors plagued their performance before the stoppage. The wet conditions contributed to misplays, including an errant throw by Rojas that allowed a run to score. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the impact of the field conditions on the team’s errors, but Rojas remained frustrated even after the game’s conclusion.
Players on both teams echoed concerns about the field conditions, pointing out puddles throughout the infield. The decision to apply a drying agent mid-inning without a proper delay drew criticism from Roberts and players, who felt it disrupted the flow of the game and affected pitcher warm-ups.
Despite the challenges posed by the rain, the field conditions improved following the delay, allowing the Cubs and Dodgers to finish the game without further issues. As the Dodgers prepared to depart for Minneapolis, rain began to fall again, symbolizing a game they would rather forget.
The incident at Wrigley Field serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player safety and ensuring that games are played under suitable conditions. With the long MLB season ahead, teams must navigate various challenges, including weather-related disruptions, while keeping player welfare at the forefront.