Chris Harrison Gave Dodgers Pre-WS Screening Of 'Bachelorette' Debut!!!
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Chris Harrison may have just earned himself a World Series ring from the Dodgers ... after coming in clutch for the players and their wives and girlfriends!!!
The 'Bachelorette' host joined "TMZ Live" on Wednesday and revealed he sent the team an advance copy of Clare Crawley's 'Bachelorette' premiere. Why? Well, turns out the premiere was going up against Game 1 of the World Series.
Check out the clip ... Chris says the ladies -- and some of the players too, we're sure -- didn't want to miss last week's premiere, so he took it upon himself to hook up the Boys in Blue. The players, along with their families, were quarantined in a "bubble" in Dallas since the League Championship series and through the World Series.
Sure, Dodgers star shortstop Corey Seager earned NLCS and World Series MVP hardware ... but maybe Chris should be right up there with Corey?
Chris also talks about Clare's awkward one-on-one date with Zach J., and how it'll all come full circle with next week's episode. As 'Bach' nation knows ... Clare felt uncomfortable after Zach grabbed the nape of her neck after a cringe-worthy kiss attempt.
No surprise who she sent home.
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MLB Rips Justin Turner 'Refused to Comply' with COVID Protocol ... Put Everyone At Risk
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MLB is throwing Justin Turner under the bus -- placing ALL of the blame on the Dodgers star for not following COVID protocol after testing positive during the World Series.
Turner was pulled during the 7th inning of Game 6 on Tuesday and told to isolate -- but MLB says he "emphatically refused to comply" and returned to the field to celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays.
Turner was seen hugging and interacting with several players, staffers and family members ... at one point he sat down next to Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts (a cancer survivor) without a mask on his face.
MLB is now going hard at Turner for his conduct -- and announcing a full investigation.
"Immediately upon receiving notice from the laboratory of a positive test, protocols were triggered, leading to the removal of Justin Turner from last night’s game," MLB says.
"Turner was placed into isolation for the safety of those around him. However, following the Dodgers’ victory, it is clear that Turner chose to disregard the agreed-upon joint protocols and the instructions he was given regarding the safety and protection of others."
"While a desire to celebrate is understandable, Turner’s decision to leave isolation and enter the field was wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk. When MLB Security raised the matter of being on the field with Turner, he emphatically refused to comply."
MLB says the Commissioner’s Office is beginning a "full investigation into this matter and will consult with the Players Association within the parameters of the joint 2020 Operations Manual."
MLB says players from the Rays and Dodgers were tested directly after the game on Tuesday and again Wednesday.
Travel plans for the teams to return home will be contingent on the results of those tests.
"Travel back to their home cities will be determined after being approved by the appropriate authorities.”
Story developing ...
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L.A. Dodgers Postponing Championship Parade ... Due To Pandemic
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No parade will come with the L.A. Dodgers' World Series ring -- at least not yet -- the team says it's postponing the celebration due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Dodgers made the announcement Wednesday ... saying it's just not safe enough to have fans pack Los Angeles streets for a party.
"While the wait for a World Championship is finally over," team officials said, "a celebration worthy of our great fans and the City of Los Angeles will unfortunately have to wait until it is safe to do so."
No makeup date has been scheduled for now ... but the team added, "We can’t wait to celebrate together!”
Of course, the decision to delay World Series celebrations comes just a few weeks after the L.A. Lakers announced they're postponing NBA Championship parade plans as well.
But, there still might be hope for at least SOME kind of joint-title festivities ...
After LeBron James BEGGED city officials for a parade Tuesday night ... L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti said he's open to figuring out something.
Let's talk. I'm down for anything safe. And so proud of you and the team. Thank you for ending our 32-year drought. And @KingJames you and the Lakers deserve the same. Thank you both and the @Dodgers and @Lakers for the best single month in LA sports history!
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) October 28, 2020 @ericgarcetti
"Let's talk," Garcetti told the Lakers superstar. "I'm down for anything safe."
Music to L.A.'s ears!
Now go celebrate SAFELY for now.
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Walker Buehler Cracks Beers With Kershaw After Win ... But Dodgers Celebrations Peculiarly Quiet
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Walker Buehler cracked some brews with Clayton Kershaw after winning the World Series -- and dudes looked happy as hell -- but it begs the question, where's the rest of the Dodgers' celebrations?!
There's no footage of champagne showers. No pics of double-fisted beer chugs in the locker room. And there are no signs of naked cannonballs into ice baths.
It's all peculiar ... considering even in pandemic times guys have gone CRAZY winning championships -- and it's forcing us to ask, did Justin Turner's COVID test mute it all???
JT was pulled from the World Series late in L.A.'s Game 6 win ... after MLB officials say he had a confirmed positive coronavirus test result.
The team and Turner both insisted he was off to quarantine after learning the news ... but cameras later spotted the third baseman on the field celebrating his ass off -- even maskless at times.
Justin Turner returns to the field for the team picture. pic.twitter.com/NmXBbU7Mo7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2020 @MLBONFOX
Turner and the Dodgers were IMMEDIATELY crushed for allowing the scene to play out ... with many wondering, how could they be so reckless???
Turns out, since that time ... no post-game locker room footage or party pics have been released.
Dodgers ace Buehler did at least show the team had SOME post-game beers to celebrate ... but did MLB force a bigger celly to be called off??
Sure seems like it. Bummer for the guys -- especially Cody Bellinger, who said after the game, "We ain't leavin' here without champagne and that's a fact."
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L.A. Dodgers World Series Champs!!! But Justin Turner Pulled After Positive COVID Test
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9:57 PM PT -- Guess he wasn't immediately quarantined after all ... because after the game Justin Turner was spotted on the field and HOLDING THE TROPHY!!!!
He was also seen hugging Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Later, he was seen walking around WITHOUT a mask and chatting with other people on the field.
My heart breaks for Turner. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/CVT9t0U1Rz
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) October 28, 2020 @alannarizzo
In fact, Turner joined the rest of the squad for a team picture -- and pulled down his mask while sitting next to Manager Dave Roberts.
Justin Turner returns to the field for the team picture. pic.twitter.com/NmXBbU7Mo7
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2020 @MLBONFOX
Wild Tuesday night for the L.A. Dodgers -- they won the World Series and also ignited major COVID concerns after Justin Turner tested positive DURING THE GAME!!
The Dodgers star 3rd baseman was pulled from the game in the 7th inning -- but nobody knew why at first.
It was later revealed 35-year-old Turner had taken a COVID test that came back inconclusive on Monday. He was re-tested on Tuesday -- and that test came back positive.
As soon as the lab got the results from the Tuesday test, they informed MLB. An MLB official immediately called the Dodgers and ordered them to pull Turner, but it was already the 7th inning.
The Dodgers went on to win the game 3-1, thanks to some solid hitting from Mookie Betts.
But, as the players stormed the field to celebrate, Turner was nowhere to be found ... already in quarantine because of the COVID test.
After the game, Commissioner Rob Manfred explained ... "We learned during the game that Justin was positive. He was immediately isolated to prevent spread."
Turner did not celebrate with the team on the field -- but now there are new concerns about possible exposure to other players, coaches, staffers, etc.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports ... when the Dodgers return to the team hotel, everyone will take a rapid PCR test. Passan says it's unclear if the COVID news means the team will stay in Dallas ... or if they will try to travel back to L.A. Passan says the situation is "fluid."
But, the question ... how many people could have been exposed in the 8 innings Turner played on Tuesday before he was yanked??
This could be a huge problem ...
Turner later tweeted about the situation -- saying, "Thanks to everyone reaching out! I feel great, no symptoms at all."
"Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine. Can’t believe I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my guys! So proud of this team & unbelievably happy for the City of LA #WorldSeriesChamps."
Thanks to everyone reaching out! I feel great, no symptoms at all. Just experienced every emotion you can possibly imagine. Can’t believe I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my guys! So proud of this team & unbelievably happy for the City of LA#WorldSeriesChamps
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 28, 2020 @redturn2
As for the game itself, the Dodgers battled back from a 1-0 deficit and took a 2-1 lead in the 6th inning. Mookie Betts extended the lead with a solo HR in the top of the 9th.
Final score, 3-1 ... clinching the series for L.A., 4 games to 2.
The final out. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/d0rOut8iJN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 28, 2020 @Dodgers
Corey Seager was named World Series MVP.
It's the first World Series title for longtime Dodgers stars like Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and company.
Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson was on hand in Dallas and was going crazy when the Dodgers won. Awesome moment!
'55, '59, '63, '65, '81, '88, and now 2020.
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) October 28, 2020 @TheVinScully
What a year. What a season. What a team.
Congratulations @Dodgers
The Blue Crew had made it to the World Series in 3 of the last 4 years -- but lost to the cheating Houston Astros in 2017 and then the Boston Red Sox in 2018.
But, this was L.A.'s year ... the pitching, the hitting -- even the coaching was top notch. Shout-out Dave Roberts.
As we previously reported, the L.A. Lakers have postponed their victory parade until they get the all-clear from L.A. City and County officials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's likely the Dodgers will follow suit.
Man can we PLEASE have a parade!!! I know I know we can’t but DAMN I wanna celebrate with our @Lakers & @Dodgers fans!!! LA is the city of CHAMPIONS 🏆🏆
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 28, 2020 @KingJames
In the meantime, CONGRATS and get well soon, Justin Turner!
Originally Published -- 8:38 PM PT
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Cody Bellinger Switches HR Celly After Injury ... Foot Taps!!!
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Well, Cody Bellinger clearly learned his lesson ...
The Dodgers star balled out of his mind, again, in Game 1 of the World Series Tuesday ... but instead of celebrating with forearm bashes -- he turned to his feet to dap up teammates!
The scene was hilarious ... just two days after Belli dislocated his shoulder in the chaos following a game-winning HR in the NLCS on Sunday -- Cody hit another huge dinger off Rays starter Tyler Glasnow.
Before we go, here's the amazing Spanish call of Cody Bellinger's home run.
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 21, 2020 @Cut4
Goodnight, y'all. pic.twitter.com/TlSWXwGuZQ
And, as the outfielder rounded 3rd base and headed for home, everyone wondered ... how was he going to celebrate this one?!
Turns out, Belli protected his arms at all costs ... and gave his squadmates love taps with his cleats!!!
No shoulder injury this time! 😂
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 21, 2020 @MLBONFOX
Cody Bellinger now using the "foot celebration" after home runs. pic.twitter.com/MIuvRLbaNL
The move was so epic ... even LeBron James gave Cody his stamp of approval, writing on social media, "Hahaha!! Leg tap celebrations for him."
As for Bellinger's take on the HR celly switch-up ... he told reporters after the game, "I said it today before the game: 'If I hit one, I’m not touching anybody’s arm.'"
He added with a laugh, "I think I’ll continue to do that, maybe my whole career."
Bellinger also had an insane catch later in the game ... helping the Dodgers seal the 8-3 victory over Tampa Bay.
Looks like pregame advice from Dad really paid off, huh?!
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Dodgers Vs. Rays World Series Ticket Prices ... Cheap As Hell!!!
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Wanna see a World Series game for just a few hundred bucks?!
This is apparently the year for that ... 'cause Dodgers vs. Rays tickets are cheap as hell!!!
Multiple ticket exchange agencies are reporting alarmingly low prices for this year's Fall Classic ... with seats for Tuesday night's Game 1 in Texas selling for as low as $290 a piece!!
Of course, it ain't exactly chump change ... but given most years' World Series prices are in the 4-figure range for seats -- it's a great deal!!!
The World Series is being played at neutral site Globe Life Field in Arlington due to the COVID-19 pandemic ... and MLB says it's allowing 11,500 fans to attend games.
The issue ... the Dodgers and Rays play nowhere near the stadium -- so demand for tix ain't exactly soaring.
According to StubHub ... Game 2 tickets on Wednesday night can be bought for as low as $375 apiece, while Games 3 through 7 are currently going for as low as around $500 per chair.
As for safety at the event if you do swoop up the tickets ... MLB officials have established strict COVID guidelines for in-person attendance.
The league is only selling tickets in 4-person pods ... with each pod 6 feet away from the next. And, concession stands are selling only pre-packaged food.
Masks are mandatory as well ... because, duh.
Play ball!
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Dodgers' Cody Bellinger Dislocated Shoulder In HR Celebration ... 'I'm Good'
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L.A. Dodgers hero Cody Bellinger confirmed what we were all thinking ... he DID dislocate his shoulder while celebrating his game-winning HR on Sunday.
... but he popped it right back in and now he says he's good to go!
25-year-old Bellinger smashed a solo donger in the 7th inning of the NLCS -- giving the Dodgers a 4-3 lead, which ultimately was enough for L.A. to beat the Atlanta Braves.
Did Cody Bellinger dislocate his shoulder? pic.twitter.com/3lH08W7Onq
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) October 19, 2020 @PitcherList
After he crossed home plate, Bellinger shared a jumping forearm bash with teammate Kike Hernandez -- and viewers could see, it appeared Bellinger suffered an injury during the celebration.
After the game, Bellinger confirmed it was a dislocation of his right shoulder.
"I hit Kike’s shoulder a little too hard and my shoulder popped out," Bellinger told MLB Network.
The Game 7 hero for the @Dodgers! @Cody_Bellinger talks about his game-winning HR and what happened to that shoulder. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/xQ7501E81P
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 19, 2020 @MLBNetwork
"So, I had to go back in the training room. They popped it back in and I was ready to play some defense. It kinda hurt!"
Bellinger reported that he's "good" now -- and Dodgers fans are praying the shoulder won't bother him in the World Series.
In the meantime, Belli says he'll celebrate with his OTHER arm moving forward.
"Yeah, I'm gonna maybe use my left arm ... I’ve never dislocated that one. So, I'll go left arm."
As for Kike, he told reporters after the game -- "Now Belli knows not to mess with people who are way stronger than him!"
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Dodgers' Walker Buehler Suffocates Legs In Super Tight Pants ... What's the Deal, Bro?!
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How did Walker Buehler fit into those super tight pants?!!?
Seriously -- the Dodgers pitcher's pants were so tight during Monday's playoff game against the Braves, it was trending on social media!!
Was it a fashion statement? Did someone misplace your usual pants? Was it uncomfortable? Growth spurt? SO MANY QUESTIONS!!
— Raul De la Cruz (@rocket6504) October 13, 2020 @rocket6504
The problem ... the Dodgers ended up losing the game 5 to 1 and Walker was in a pretty bad mood afterward.
So, when a reporter asked Walker for a tight-pants explanation -- the pitcher shut the guy down and ended his press conference!
"Not the time or place Michael," 26-year-old Walker said while shaking his head condescendingly.
Walker Buehler's pants somehow got even tighter pic.twitter.com/QyjdOMnOaE
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) October 13, 2020 @mike_petriello
Sure, tough question to answer after a heartbreaking loss -- but those pants were skinny as hell!!
In fact, reporters were so desperate for answers -- they even asked Braves starting pitcher Max Fried if he had any insight!
Sadly, he did not.
He did.
— Lola in the USA (@Pray4USA20) October 13, 2020 @Pray4USA20
I dont know how Max kept a straight face there. Truly has to be the stupidest question ever. pic.twitter.com/68iwAZJcyd
As for his performance, Buehler pitched his face off despite some almost-certain circulation issues ... striking out 7 and allowing just 3 hits in the loss.
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Manny Machado Melted Down Over LA Celebration ... 'F*** You!!!'
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Manny Machado lost his freakin' mind on the diamond Wednesday night -- going on an F-bomb-laced tirade ... and it's all 'cause a Dodgers pitcher celebrated a great defensive play.
Here's the deal ... in the 7th inning of Game 2 of San Diego's playoff series with L.A. -- Brusdar Graterol took the mound to try to help close things out for the Dodgers.
The problem? He let a fastball out over the middle of the plate that Fernando Tatis Jr. CRUSHED -- and it looked like a no-doubter, 2-run bomb that would give the Pads a 5-4 lead.
But, centerfielder Cody Bellinger saved the day ... robbing the HR with ease -- and Graterol went NUTS!!!
Bellinger robs Tatís, Brusdar goes Crazy and Machado gets mad, a breakdown pic.twitter.com/fSIaSjXjij
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) October 8, 2020 @Jomboy_
Brusdar threw his glove with joy, then tossed his hat, then fist-pumped ... and Machado (who had bat flipped the hell out of a homer earlier in the game) hated ALL. OF. IT.
The former Dodger melted down on the diamond, telling Graterol "F*ck you!" repeatedly, before adding, "I'll be waiting for you!"
Graterol soaked in the trash talk ... blowing the guy a kiss -- while the rest of his Dodgers teammates told Machado to sit down.
The next inning, Graterol went on to get Machado to ground out ... and the Dodgers eventually sweated out a 6-5 win to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Great theater.
Game 3 is set for Thursday night ... getcha popcorn ready!
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L.A. Dodgers Legend 'Sweet' Lou Johnson Dead at 86
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"Sweet" Lou Johnson -- a key member of the L.A. Dodgers 1965 World Series team -- has died, the team announced. He was 86.
The former outfielder famously smacked a home run off Jim Kaat in Game 7 of the '65 World Series, giving the Dodgers what ended up being an insurmountable lead over the Minnesota Twins.
FYI, Sandy Koufax was pitching for the Dodgers that day.
Johnson only played with the Dodgers from '65 to '67 -- he also played with the Cubs, Angels, Braves and Indians during his 17 seasons in the big leagues.
But, after his playing career, he was a staple at Dodger Stadium -- doing PR work for the team. Super nice guy.
"Lou Johnson was such a positive inspiration at Dodger Stadium with our employees and our fans as well as throughout the community in the appearances he made on behalf of the organization," Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
"Dodger fans will always remember his important home run in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series, when he was clapping his hands running around the bases.”
According to the Dodgers, Johnson got the nickname "Sweet Lou" back in '65 because "of his infectious smile and because he was always clapping his hands."
In total, Sweet Lou racked up 48 HRs and 232 RBIs in 677 games -- with a .248 batting average.
He also famously had the only Dodgers hit -- and scored the only Dodgers run -- in Sandy Koufax’s perfect game on Sept. 9, 1965 against the Chicago Cubs.
No word on cause of death. He's survived by his wife, Sarah, and their 3 children.
RIP
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MLB's Royce Clayton Dodgers Will Win World Series ... 'This Is The Year'
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Sorry, Yankees ... former MLB All-Star Royce Clayton says the Dodgers will win the World Series -- telling TMZ Sports, "This is the year."
Clayton -- who we got out checking the surf in Malibu on Thursday morning -- says it pains him to make the prediction as a longtime S.F. Giant ... but he says he just sees it coming.
"I live here, I got love for them," Clayton admitted. "And, you know, if my Giants aren't in there, then I have to say I'm rooting for the home team."
Clayton says there are a few reasons he's pushing L.A. over NY and others to win the 'ship ... #1 being the addition of Mookie Betts.
"That really puts their offense in another tier," Clayton says.
Clayton added he believes the Dodgers' starting pitching is great ... and says he thinks Kenley Jansen will have a big postseason as well.
As for the team's shortstop ... Clayton tells us he LOVES Corey Seager -- adding the dude should be in line for a HUGE payday this offseason.
By the way, Clayton -- a 17-year vet who retired after the 2007 season -- also told us he was thrilled with the way MLB handled the pandemic season.
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Dodgers' Joe Kelly Visits Epic Pouty Face Mural ... With His Family!!!
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10:19 AM PT -- 9/11 -- The mural is so cool ... Kelly himself had to check it out in person -- and he even brought his family!!!
The L.A. Dodgers reliever -- who just came off the injured list but now needs to serve his 5-game suspension -- took some time see the massive artwork Thursday ... and it's pretty clear Kelly is enamored with the piece.
Check out the photos his wife posted ... everyone's loving being there -- and they even recreated the famous pouty face at the scene!!
"Today was special because our fam got to see THE mural of our guy!" Joe's wife said. "[Jones Never] is a stud of an artist (and fellow UCR Highlander) who literally transformed this wall into pouty-face gold 🔥🔥🔥"
Awesome!!
Forget how savagely Joe Kelly trolled the Houston Astros back in July??
No worries ... the Dodgers pitcher's incredible pouty face jab has now been immortalized with a mural in Los Angeles -- AND IT'S 16 FEET OF INCREDIBLE!!!
Jonas Never -- one of the most famous street artists in the country -- painted the piece this week on a barbershop near Dodgers Stadium ... and it was completed just in time for the 'Stros-Dodgers series this weekend.
If you don't recall ... during the last series between LA and Houston -- Kelly nearly incited an all-out brawl on July 28 by firing pitches at Astros stars Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa.
Of course ... everyone thought the tight balls were intentional -- considering, you know, the whole cheating scandal -- and the two teams REALLY got into it.
At one point, before the benches cleared, Kelly trolled Correa by allegedly calling him a "bitch" ... and then by hitting him with 1 of the most memorable faces in recent MLB history.
Kelly went on to ultimately be suspended for 5 games over the incident ... and, he never really apologized.
In fact, the 32-year-old pitcher later called the Astros straight-up "little bitches"!!!
Sadly, since Kelly's still on the injured list and has yet to serve his suspension -- there will be no rematch between him and Bregman/Correa this weekend.
But, hey ... at least there's a sick mural now to remind everyone of the good times!!
Originally Published -- 9/9 3:16 PM PT
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L.A. Dodgers' Joe Kelly Rips 'Little Bitch' Astros ... 'Not Respectable Men To Me'
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"I think I'll be irritated forever."
L.A. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly just RIPPED the Houston Astros ... calling the players "snitches" and "little bitches" over their cheating scandal in a scathing rant.
The reliever sounded off on his teammate, Ross Stripling's "Big Swing Podcast" ... making the comments shortly after he was suspended 8 games for his role in a near Astros-Dodgers brawl last month.
Kelly explained to Stripling how he thought his ban was BS ... and then went absolutely IN on the Astros for the way he believes they passed off blame in their 2017 cheating scandal.
Kelly says the players wrongly let bench coach Alex Cora and GM Jeff Luhnow -- who were both fired after MLB's investigation -- take the fall for the sign-stealing scheme ... saying, "all they do is go snitch like a little bitch, and they don't have to get fined, they don't have to lose games."
Kelly added, "When you take someone's livelihood ... to save your own ass, that's what I don't like. Cheating? They cheated. Everyone knows they're cheaters."
"They know they're cheaters. It's over. That's been there, done that. But now, they mess it up by ruining other people's lives, so they f*cked it up twice."
Kelly -- who wasn't on the 2017 Dodgers team that lost to the Astros in the World Series but did play under Cora in 2018 with the Red Sox -- says Houston players' actions were "one of the worst things that you could probably do."
"They're not respectable men to me," Kelly said.
As for his role in the infamous Astros-Dodgers game last month ... Kelly says he has no idea why baseball banned him -- insisting when he threw at Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa, it wasn't intentional.
In fact, Kelly blamed the Astros for all of the ensuing commotion ... saying he was the one who properly socially distanced and followed CDC guidelines amid the chaos.
"They walked out of their dugout, walked toward us," Kelly said. "Carlos Correa f*cking spit at our team."
Kelly has since had his suspension reduced to five games after his appeal. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are slated to play the Astros again for a two-game series in September.
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L.A. Dodgers' Joe Kelly Suspended 8 Games For Throwing at Cheater Astros Players
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2:12 PM PT -- MLB has just hit Joe Kelly with an 8-GAME suspension for throwing at multiple Houston Astros players during Tuesday night's game.
The league cited Kelly's history of intentionally throwing at batters for the lengthy punishment. Remember, it's only a 60-game season so 8 games is a big deal.
"Kelly, who has previously been suspended in his career for intentional throwing, threw a pitch in the area of the head of Alex Bregman and later taunted Carlos Correa, which led to the benches clearing," MLB said.
Kelly is appealing his suspension -- but good luck with that.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also got a 1-game suspension as a result of Kelly’s action.
Both Kelly and Roberts will begin their suspension Wednesday night -- when the Dodgers continue their series with Houston.
Additionally, Astros manager Dusty Baker was fined for the bench-clearing incident that ensued.
L.A. Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was a man out for REVENGE on Tuesday -- firing baseballs at the cheating ass Houston Astros ... and nearly igniting a brawl in the process.
He talked trash to the players. He threw a 96 MPH fastball at Alex Bregman's head. And, mocked several players from the mound.
He also struck out Carlos Correa and shouted, "Nice swing, bitch!"
It was all part of a highly anticipated matchup between the Dodgers and the Astros -- the first time the teams had played since an MLB investigation revealed Houston had cheated their faces off during the 2017 season.
Kelly wasn't on the Dodgers during that 2017 World Series run -- but he was on the Boston Red Sox, which had been eliminated by the Astros in the ALCS earlier that year.
So, yeah ... a bunch of people had some serious axes to grind.
Fast forward to Tuesday when Kelly took the mound in the 6th inning of L.A.'s game against Houston in Texas ... it didn't take long for him to appear to try to exact some revenge.
After getting Jose Altuve out ... Kelly got down 3-0 in a count to Bregman -- and then fired a 96 MPH fastball that missed the star 3rd baseman's head by inches.
Just two batters later ... Kelly threw a breaking ball that nearly clipped Correa in the back of the head as well!!
Neither player was happy with the throws ... and after Kelly struck out Correa a pitch or two later -- Kelly mocked Carlos on his way off the mound.
Joe made crying faces at the shortstop, then appeared to yell, "You gotta cheat to hit!" and other cuss words ... and that's when both benches cleared and almost got into an all-out brawl!!
Cooler heads ultimately prevailed ... but Astros manager Dusty Baker was PISSED at Kelly after the game, saying his actions put Bregman and Correa's careers in danger.
"When you throw a 3-0 fastball over a guy's head, now you're flirting with ending his career," Baker said. "And then a couple other guys, balls were close. And then what really enraged everybody is when he told Carlos when he struck him out, he told him, 'Nice swing, bitch.'"
For their part, Kelly and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts both said there wasn't any intent behind the pitches.
But, with Correa and Bregman being the two most famous players associated with the Astros' sign-stealing, trash can banging scandal that perhaps cost the Dodgers a World Series ring in '17 ... it's not hard to see through this one.
L.A. ended up winning 5-2, by the way ... but there's still another game left in the series Wednesday night.
Getcha popcorn ready!!!
Originally Published -- 6:29 AM PT
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Dodgers' Mookie Betts Kneels For National Anthem ... Bellinger Shows Support
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Mookie Betts dropped to a knee during the national anthem before his 1st game with the Dodgers on Thursday ... and some of his teammates, including N.L. MVP Cody Bellinger, showed major support for the move.
The new superstar outfielder displayed his dismay for social injustice in America by kneeling for the song before the Dodgers' home opener against the Giants ... and Bellinger and Max Muncy quickly jumped to his side.
United. pic.twitter.com/ZnFyqyMNm3
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 24, 2020 @Dodgers
Belli put his right hand on Betts' left shoulder, while Muncy put his left hand on Betts' right ... and afterward, the new Dodgers star said he hopes his actions can bring about change.
"I know my dad served and I'll never disrespect the flag," Betts said, "but there's also gotta be change in the world, and kneeling has nothing to do with those who served our country."
Mookie added, "Today was just to unify both sides and just to show that we are here for change."
Betts says he's unsure if he'll continue the kneeling throughout the season ... he told reporters he wants to focus more on tangible action rather than demonstrations going forward.
"I think kneeling is definitely something that shows we need change," Betts said, "but also I have to put some action into play as far as away from MLB."
No other Dodgers joined Betts in the kneeling ... however, several Giants players continued their tradition of taking knees on the opposing baseline.
Major League Baseball, meanwhile, did its part in recognizing the fight for racial equality on Opening Day Thursday... it played Black Lives Matter videos before both the Dodgers game and the Yankees-Nationals game.
The league also had players join in holding a long sheet of black fabric ... while many others on the Yanks, Nationals, Giants and Dodgers kneeled to show unity just before the national anthems began playing.
Several players also wore Black Lives Matter patches on their sleeves ... while pitchers pitched on mounds that had BLM stenciled into them.