As protests erupt across LA in response to ICE raids, the Dodgers have finally stepped forward with a powerful gesture. A $1 million donation to support families directly impacted by the crackdowns. Yet, while the front office has spoken, the voices from inside the clubhouse remain largely quiet, with a few exceptions, like Enrique Hernandez.
Now, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about the clubhouse reaction. And he got candid about how the players are proving their professionalism at the highest level.
The Dodgers have immigrants playing for them, like Enrique Hernandez, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. As per Roberts, they are concerned about what’s going on in the city. However, as professionals, they are more focused on their job in the field. Roberts’ statement also portrays the trust players have in the organization.
With the front office keeping things updated, players at the Dodgers clubhouse got all their attention on October dreams.
Meanwhile, Roberts himself, being an Asian-American, shared his perspective on the pledge. “I think it’s great,” Roberts shared before the game against the Nationals. “I’m sure the money is going to be allocated in the right way. I’m happy to hear that the Dodgers have done that, and it’s certainly the right thing to do.”
But it would be wrong to say that the entire Dodgers’ clubhouse remains silent. The team’s Puerto Rican utility man made his stance clear over the weekend. In a strong social media post, Enrique Hernandez called out the raids and voiced his solidarity with those affected.
On Saturday night, Hernandez shared on Instagram, “I may not be born and raised, but this city adopted me as one of their own. I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city.”
But still, if the silence bothers you, one thing we can stay positive about: The boys in blue are collectively offering their best product on the field.
The Dodgers are doing what they do best
The Dodgers are lighting up the scoreboard and reminding everyone why they’re the favorite contenders.
As of late June, the Dodgers lead the league in batting average (.264), total runs scored (426), and home runs (117). That sums up their offensive brilliance this year. And the best part is the holistic performance of the batting lineup. Take the second game against the Padres. While Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman failed to hit a home run, Andy Pages contributed with a two-run homer.
However, not everything works perfectly at the Dodgers, either. Their team ERA currently sits at 4.19, ranking 21st in the league. You can call it borderline alarming by Dodger standards. Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell’s injuries have undeniably shaken the foundation of the team’s much-hyped rotation. What was once projected as one of the most formidable pitching staffs has been reduced to a patchwork.
So, while the roster depth is getting tested, it didn’t stop them from leading the division with a 47–30 record!
Off the field, there have been no player-led demonstrations or on-field messages surrounding the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. But we can see that the Dodgers are letting their play do the talking, while the front office steps forward with its decisions and statements.
You can call it a calm and calculated response from a franchise that seems intent on focusing on performance while handling civic matters with organizational diplomacy.
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