The Los Angeles Dodgers return to action Tuesday night for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field.
For the Dodgers, it marks their second trip to the Texas Rangers’ home ballpark this season. They previously visited at the end of August, taking two of three from the Rangers.
Because they already have experience playing at Globe Life Field, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his group of players will have an easier time adjusting to the park’s dimensions. “Certainly. Just the turf itself, it’s kind of like Arizona,” he said.
“Knowing the ballpark, getting the reads off the bat, how the infield plays. As I understand it, I think the roof is going to be open. When we were here it was closed, so just kind of adjusting to that. We’re going to have one of these (workout) days with the roof open to see. But certainly three games is better than none.”
In its first year of existence, Globe Life Field developed a reputation of being pitcher-friendly. A total of 66 home runs were hit there during the regular season, which was one of the lowest marks in all of baseball.
Now as two of the top home run-hitting teams square off at the ballpark this week, it will be interesting to see if they are able to buck the trend with the roof open. “From what I understand, it does allow for the ball to travel a little bit further,” Roberts said of the roof being open.
“What that means, I really don’t know. It still just comes down to executing pitches and putting the barrel on the ball. It’s a level playing field regardless. It’ll be different in the sense we just haven’t experienced it here.”
Spacious Globe Life Field could lead to big innings
Even if home runs are difficult to come by this week, the Dodgers can still use the spacious outfield at Globe Life Field to their advantage, whether its stringing together hits or driving the ball into the gap.
“I think we’ve done it at times. I think if you look at a lot of the guys, whether it’s J.T., Mookie, Corey or Chris Taylor, we’ve built some innings,” Roberts said.
“Guys find some outfield grass and not just going for the homer. I think Cody did it really well the last game against the Brewers. You can still get it out of the ballpark if you really square it up, but certainly getting baserunners — however you do it — is most important.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
