Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn’t just waiting to see who his team faces in NLDS Game 1. He’s got a crystal clear preference for when they play Saturday, Oct. 3. “I would prefer to play at night,” Roberts said on Monday, Sept. 28. “As far as who we play, I don’t think we really care. But I do think that it’s going to be a hot weekend, and to play at night would certainly be more beneficial.” That makes total sense, because this isn’t just “hot,” folks. We’re talking about a scorching inferno that could seriously impact the game.
Early Start? That’s a Blazing Problem
Roberts’ desire for a night game makes perfect sense when you look at how the schedule shakes out, and honestly, it’s pretty wild how much rides on another series. MLB dropped the broadcast schedule on Monday, and the Dodgers’ Game 1 start time on Saturday is totally up in the air depending on the Cubs versus Padres wild card series. If the Chicago Cubs win that series against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers get their wish, playing at 6:00 p.m. local time. Sweet. But here’s the kicker: if the Padres pull off the win, that first pitch gets bumped way up to 1:00 p.m. PT. That’s a massive difference, and it’s not just Roberts who should be stressed about it. It’s a problem for everyone stepping onto that field.
The Heat Is Absolutely Dangerous for Dodgers’ NLDS Opener
You might think LA is always chill, but late September and early October are actually the hottest times of the year out there. The marine layer that usually keeps things cool in summer peaces out, and then you get those Santa Ana winds blasting in, cranking up the heat and even bringing wildfire risks. This year? Thanks to El Niño and the wild ride of climate change, it’s forecasted to be even worse. AccuWeather is predicting a week-long heat wave to hit LA starting Friday, with Saturday, Oct. 3, looking at “record breaking temperatures.” We’re talking a high of 103 degrees at 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, with a RealFeel of a brutal 106. AccuWeather literally warns, “Blazing sunshine and very hot with the temperature approaching the record high of 108 set in 1987. Heat will be dangerous, minimize outdoor activity.” Imagine playing a high-stakes playoff game in that! Even at night, it only drops to 74 with a slight breeze, taking the RealFeel down a couple more degrees. So yeah, that start time is everything for the Dodgers, and for whichever opponent has to face them.
This Game 1 isn’t just about who wins, it’s about battling the elements itself. We’re all waiting to see if the Cubs can save the Dodgers from playing in an oven, or if the Padres will send them directly into a brutal afternoon. The stakes are high for everyone involved, and you can bet every player will be feeling every single one of those degrees.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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