During Wednesday’s Zoom press conference, Dodgers infielder Max Muncy blamed his injured (and bandaged) left ring finger after being hit by a pitch during Spring Training-2 batting practice on his inability to pick up the ball because of the new center field batter’s eye at recently renovated Dodger Stadium

“A pitch ran up and in and hit me right on the finger,” Muncy said. “It was one of those things where I didn’t really see the ball, adjusting to some of the changes we got out there. I don’t know if I’ll comment too much on that, but it’s just something that we’ll have to get used to. It’s different than what we’ve had here, and it’s just something we’ll get used to.

“I will say pitchers are pretty happy about the batter’s eye out there,” he kidded. “But other than that, yeah, it’s just something that we have to get used to.”

A short while later, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that he has heard several of his players say that they were having difficulty picking up the ball because of the new batter’s eye, calling it “unsettling.” He quickly added, however, that he is confident that the situation will be rectified.

As most fans know, Dodger Stadium underwent a $100-million renovation this past offseason in preparation for what was supposed to be the 2020 All-Star Game, which has since been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Included in the renovations was the addition of a new Center Field Plaza and Kids Play Area. In the process, the old batter’s eye was removed, and a new one installed. Judging by early reports from Dodgers hitters, the new one is going to take some getting used – although Dodgers pitchers might not necessarily see it this way – no pun intended.

Play Ball!

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