Tensions run high in Dodgers-Giants game as LA protests prompt tightened security for player safety

The atmosphere around the Dodgers has been far from usual due to ongoing protests in LA. The LA Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants are squaring off against the backdrop of ongoing federal immigration enforcement activity. Due to intense protests, Players have restricted themselves from going out.

LA and San Francisco are scheduled to play a three-game series in Chavez Ravine starting Friday. Ahead of Friday's game, Giants manager Bob Melvin revealed how he and his team are handling the rage outside.

"It doesn't come from me. It comes from the people that are in charge here, Rob and our security team,” Melvin said. “So it's kind of stay in your bubble there, come to the ballpark and do your thing... it's more kind of hotel, ballpark than maybe in the past."

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Meanwhile, the Dodgers are playing at home for the first time since the immigration-related protests erupted. Manager Dave Roberts refrained from going in-depth about the current situation. He said:

"Honestly, I don't know enough to be quite honest with you... all the unrest is certainly unsettling for everyone. But I haven't done enough and can't speak intelligently on it.”

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LA-born Giants’ first baseman Dominic Smith described the raids as “traumatizing."

While MLB action takes place as usual, local law enforcement has increased its presence around Dodger Stadium. The MLB office is also working closely with both organizations as the situation develops.

What's happening in LA and how is it affecting Dodgers players?

From June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted large-scale immigration sweeps across LA. This led to intense clashes between protestors and law enforcement.

A state emergency was declared, with the city instituting a nightly curfew (8 p.m.–6 a.m.) downtown. President Donald Trump deployed up to 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom has deemed the move from the Oval Office unnecessary and inflammatory.

Amid this, the Dodgers are taking high security measures and players' movements have been restricted to a "bubble."

Since Dodger Stadium lies just outside the designated curfew zone, games begin before 8 p.m. However, hotel bookings have taken a major hit and the visiting teams are adjusting accommodations (e.g., Mexico's soccer team moved out of DTLA).

It will take some time before things go back to normal.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra