Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently addressed queries about his team’s disrupted travel plans, amidst a string of delays that caused him and his coaching staff to rush back from Toronto for the World Series preparations.
The Dodgers are gearing up to face off against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the Fall Classic at Dodger Stadium on Monday night. However, Roberts and his team members faced challenges in arriving at the ballpark on time, reaching around 5 p.m. PDT on Sunday, coinciding with the scheduled workout start time.
Roberts, speaking during a pregame media session, acknowledged the travel hurdles, stating, “I just got here about 30 minutes ago. There were some delays. I can’t say if there was intent or not. The international travel was quite a challenge, but we managed to make it.”
The mention of “intent” stirred reactions online, with fans speculating about Canadian officials’ involvement in the delays. In reality, the Dodgers’ return would have been handled by U.S. customs officers. While travel challenges are common for all MLB teams, the Blue Jays routinely navigate similar delays when traveling in and out of Canada.
Roberts mentioned that the players flew back after Saturday’s Game 2 smoothly, while the coaching staff and others faced delays departing on Sunday, including hours of waiting and customs procedures.
Travel setbacks are part and parcel of MLB teams crossing international borders, with the Blue Jays themselves encountering lengthy customs waits at times during the season.
After leveling the series with a 5-1 victory on Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays will clash in Game 3, with Max Scherzer on the mound for Toronto and Tyler Glasnow pitching for the Dodgers. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, live on Sportsnet.
Keyphrase: MLB travel delays