A top prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a freak injury after trying to avoid an on-field collision with a canine on Monday night. Kendall George, a first-round pick by the Dodgers in 2023, was heading toward the dugout after sprinting home with a full head of steam to score a run for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers.
As he was approaching, the team's 'bat dog' - a pooch with the task of retrieving bats after players get on base - came rushing up the steps. George jumped to avoid the dog and landed awkwardly, injuring his left knee. As he hobbled down the tunnel, he was seen slamming his helmet to the ground.
According to The Athletic, George underwent imaging on Tuesday to determine how severe his injury was. Sources told the outlet that initial signs made the team 'not that optimistic about George's outlook,' however, they are still awaiting official results.
Prospect's Status
The Dodgers fear Kendall George suffered a significant left knee injury on Monday night while trying to avoid the bat dog, per @TheAthletic. George ranks No. 9 in Los Angeles’ system.
Dodgers outfield prospect Kendall George could face a stint on the IL with a busted knee. George hurt himself by jumping to avoid his Double-A team's 'bat dog' and landed awkwardly.
Performance This Season
George, who is ranked by MLB as the Dodgers' 13th-best prospect overall and their eighth-best hitting prospect, has swung the bat better this year than ever before. After hitting .279 in 2024 and .295 in 2025 - both seasons at the Single-A level - George has hit .333 with an OPS of .814 across exactly 200 plate appearances in Tulsa.
The 21-year-old also has 16 RBI and has already used his elite speed to account for 26 stolen bases this season. But a serious injury to his knee could complicate his development this season - making the already slim chance of his promotion to the majors an even longer shot.
