Dodgers' MiLB Bat Dog Program Reportedly to Be Suspended After Star Prospect Kendall George's Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Double-A affiliate in Tulsa are reportedly planning to stop letting dogs retrieve discarded bats at certain games after an injury to a star prospect.

The California Post's Jack Harris reported Wednesday that the Tulsa Drillers "are planning to suspend their bat dog program" after outfielder Kendall George suffered an apparent knee injury while dodging a dog during a Tuesday game against Northwest Arkansas.

The Dodgers fear that George "suffered a moderate patellar injury" while jumping away from the dog as he jogged back to the dugout, Harris reported.

George is ranked as the No. 13 Dodgers prospect by MLB Pipeline. He was described by the scouting service as the fastest player in his 2023 draft class.

The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya and Jesús Cano reported Tuesday the Dodgers were "not that optimistic" about George's knee after initial imaging.

That speed was visible last season when George became the first minor-league player since 2005 to record 100 stolen bases in a single season.

That allowed George to lead all High-A batters with a .409 on-base percentage in 2025.

In his first Double-A season, George has stolen 26 bases while only getting caught three times.

He has also slashed .333/.417/.397 with 23 walks and 33 strikeouts to establish himself as one of the top prospects in the Dodgers' crowded farm system.

George was initially selected by the Dodgers with the No. 36 pick in the 2023 MLB draft as a high school outfielder playing in Texas. He was ranked at the time as MLB Pipeline's No. 65 prospect.

The prognosis regarding his knee could potentially impact on George's ability to maintain his prodigious speed going forward.

The Dodgers are still waiting for final results of testing on his George's, per Adraya, Cano and Harris.

The Drillers have used bat dogs for the last five seasons. The team has suspended the program "for the immediate future," a spokesperson told Harris.

Double-A Tulsa had Tuesday off before returning to action Wednesday afternoon against Northwest Arkansas.