LOS ANGELES — One day after the Dodgers postponed a statement of support for immigrant communities in the city, the club announced a $1 million commitment of direct financial assistance on Friday for those experiencing financial hardship.
The club’s five-paragraph statement, delicately worded to avoid potentially inflammatory political terms, said the funds were for those affected by “recent events in the region.” It did not mention the Department of Homeland Security’s aggressive ICE raids, particularly on the Latino community, which comprises a significant portion of the team’s fan base.
The Dodgers say more efforts are forthcoming to help young people and families facing food insecurity. Mental health services and the need for basic essentials will be addressed.
“What’s happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected,” team president Stan Kasten said in the statement. “We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles.”
On Thursday, dozens of federal agents with their faces covered were denied access into Dodger Stadium. The club said they were “ICE agents,” while the Department of Homeland Security said in a social media post the agents were “unrelated to any operation or enforcement.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who did not meet with the media before Thursday’s game, called the team’s $1 million donation and the promise for additional help “great.”
“I’m sure the money is going to be allocated in the right way,” Roberts said. “I’m happy to hear that the Dodgers have done that. It’s certainly the right thing to do.”
Dozens of community leaders had petitioned the Dodgers on Friday to condemn ICE raids that have been ongoing for two weeks.
“This is the moment for the Dodgers to stand with the families whom masked agents are tearing apart,” read the letter, which was signed by religious officials, labor leaders and immigrant-rights activists, and addressed to Dodgers owner Mark Walter.
“If these truly are OUR beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, we need you, more than ever, to stand with us, immigrants and non-immigrants alike. Stand with all of us.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass applauded the team for taking action.
“I want to thank the Dodgers for leading with this action to support the immigrant community of Los Angeles,” Bass said in a statement. “These last weeks have sent shockwaves of fear rippling through every neighborhood and have had a direct impact on our economy.
“My message to all Angelenos is clear: We will stick together during this time and we will not turn our backs on one another – that’s what makes this the greatest city in the world.”
ONE DAY AWAY
Roberts said he agreed with the one-game suspension he received Friday after the Dodgers and San Diego Padres emptied their benches in the ninth inning of Thursday night’s game, without incident. Roberts had a confrontation with Padres manager Mike Shildt, who was also suspended one game. Both managers were fined.
“I think that, obviously, I never want to make the game about the managers. It shouldn’t be,” Roberts said. “It should be about the players and winning. And so, last night, both managers are protecting their teams and it just unfortunately got to a point that we became the focus, and that’s not the way it should be.”
Batters were hit by a pitch 10 times in the four-game series between the teams. The Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit three times, while the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Andy Pages each were hit twice.
Padres right-hander Robert Suarez, who was ejected after he hit Ohtani with a pitch Thursday, was suspended three games and fined. He will appeal his suspension.
STRESS TEST
One day after he was hit in the back of the right shoulder by Suarez, Ohtani had a bullpen session in advance of his second start of the season on Sunday against the Washington Nationals.
“That (bullpen) was scheduled regardless, and it was encouraging that he still finished it (and) did it,” Roberts said. “And he’s in line for Sunday.”
MOVING PARTS
The Dodgers not only acquired left-hander Zach Penrod from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations, they recalled right-hander Will Klein from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Klein joined the active roster, while right-hander Emmet Sheehan was optioned to Triple-A.
Penrod, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Sunday, had a 2.25 ERA in seven appearances for the Red Sox last season.
Klein, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a June 2 trade, had a 6.345 ERA in eight combined appearances for the Kansas City Royals and then-Oakland Athletics last season.
Sheehan returned from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and gave up just one run over four innings. Roberts said Sheehan will be back soon.
REST AND RECHARGE
First baseman Freddie Freeman was not in the lineup against Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore, with Roberts calling it a day of rest. Kiké Hernandez started at first base after he was informed late Thursday that he would be in Friday’s starting lineup.
Freeman has been dealing with an ankle injury that surfaced late last season and has been aggravated multiple times this season. He also played through a quadriceps injury.
“Obviously he’s still managing his body, and so to give him one day to then get through the weekend, I think it’s just the right decision,” Roberts said.
The 2024 World Series MVP is batting .328 with a .933 OPS this season but is batting just .209 with a .552 OPS in 18 June games.
ALSO
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Sunday and pitch two innings for Oklahoma City. … Left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen at some point this weekend. … Rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki (shoulder), who was placed on the 60-day injured list as a procedural move to get Penrod on the 40-man roster, returned to playing catch in the outfield before Friday’s game. … Right-hander Luis Garcia pitched live batting practice for the second time, facing rookies Dalton Rushing and Hyeseong Kim. “I feel good and I’m good to go, so I’m just waiting,” Garcia said.
UP NEXT
Nationals (RHP Jake Irvin, 5-2, 4.23 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Dustin May, 4-4, 4.46 ERA), Saturday, 7:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM
The Associated Press contributed to this story.