Betts expects fights in the stands as Astros visit Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers fans are finally going to get an opportunity to let the Houston Astros know how they feel about them at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.
The Dodgers will host the Astros in front of fans for the first time since MLB concluded its investigation last year into Houston's sign-stealing scheme during the 2017 season, the same campaign it beat Los Angeles in the World Series.
"I'm sure there's going to be some fights and stuff in the stands," Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts said, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "It was a such a long time ago. The emotions the fans feel, what the other guys feel, I don't have any of that. But I assume there's guys in here that still feel a certain way.
"I'm ready for war."
Tensions have been high between the clubs since the results of the league's investigation surfaced, which led to the suspensions and eventual firings of manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow.
Last season, Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly received an eight-game suspension - later reduced to five contests - for throwing near the heads of Houston infielders Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. After throwing at Correa and then striking him out in the same at-bat, Kelly mocked his opponent with a pouty face that instantly became famous in Los Angeles.
The two teams met in Houston earlier this year. Spectators fought in the stands during the game, despite no on-field confrontations between the clubs.
MLB has increased security for the series, according to Nightengale, but Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts doesn't expect a packed house of Dodgers fans to hold back.
"I think they have the right to do whatever they feel," Roberts said. "To express their feelings. We have passionate fans."