As the 2020 MLB schedule was ripped apart and rejoined in a 60-game format, an interesting quirk soon became apparent.
After an offseason that shed light on the Houston Astros ‘traps in the regular season and 2017 playoffs, the Astros’ opponent in that year’s World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers, was suddenly on his schedule. 2020.
Previously, the Dodgers and Astros were not scheduled to meet in interleague play this year. However, the schedules of each MLB team have changed, so they will only face their division and the geographically corresponding division of the other league to reduce travel. So, in addition to playing 40 games against the National League West, the Dodgers will play a total of 20 games against the American League West. Including the Astros.
Since the Dodgers have made no attempt to hide how livid they are with the Astros’ illegal stealing of cartels, the question is now worth asking. Should the Astros be waiting for some pitches when they take on the Dodgers?
A Dodgers veteran already gave his answer.
Kenley Jansen: “I’m not going to shoot you”
During an appearance on “The Sedano Show” on ESPN Los Angeles, Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen said he feels the Dodgers were tricked in 2017 and should be considered the true champions that year, but will not intentionally throw the team out. responsible for that. cheating.
From Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:
“I feel like we’re the real champions in 2017. We should be us, they fooled us. But if we’re going to play (The Astros) this year, I’m not going to throw anything at them. That’s not cool. I don’t want anyone to do that, throw people out. Just play them and try to be the best. “
Since intentionally shooting a player is very dangerous even with the command of a major league player, that’s an understandable Jansen stance.
Kenley Jansen will not pitch to the Astros. How many pitchers will make the same choice? (AP Photo / Sue Ogrocki)
Of course, Jansen is just a member of the Dodgers’ pitching team. Another member, swingman Ross Stripling, said in spring training that he “probably” would have thrown at an Astros hitter if his offseason trade with the Los Angeles Angels went through. Stripling probably didn’t think he would take on the Astros this year when he said that, so maybe his plans will change after a schedule change and at least four more months to cool off.
The Dodgers are also not the only team that might want to punish the Astros. The Astros’ leading HBP number in spring training led many to believe that the entire league could be shooting for them, although that was almost certainly a product of bad luck and out-of-practice pitchers.
