Dodgers-Diamondbacks delayed by bees

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks were scheduled to begin playing the middle game of their series at 6:40 p.m. PT, but they ran into an unusual delay that has put the status of play in question.

Roughly 20 minutes prior to first pitch, a swarm of bees began to settle on the top of the backstop netting at Chase Field. However, just about 10 minutes before the game was set to start, there were still not enough in place to cause any real concern.

But by the start of the game, hundreds of bees were on the netting, and due to the safety concerns of everyone at the ballpark, the game was delayed.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on SportsNet LA, saying the next steps were being determined:

“This is a tough one. Miguel Rojas actually had a game a few years ago in Miami where they ended up canceling the game. I think right now, we’re just trying to figure out the situation. Obviously we see the bees, how long will it take a beekeeper to come take care of the situation and/or just proceed, and then just kind of weighing out the potential harm it might cause. It’s on the screen, the top of the netting, so if a foul ball hits the screen, what happens to the bees at that point in time? It’s sort of like an unknown right now. I know Adrian Johnson, the crew chief, is in contact with Major League Baseball and right now he’s talking to Torey Lovullo and the Diamondbacks trying to figure this out. We’re just tring to figure it out because obviously, safety is the most important thing, but as far as the game itself, we got both starters ready to go. If you delay an hour, you burn both starters, so that’s what we’re kind of trying to figure it out. But obviously, safety is most important.”

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, a beekeeper was on the way to Chase Field. However, it’s still unclear if the game will be played or if the two sides will have to postpone, but the expectation is the game will resume.

The Diamondbacks released a statement expressing their hope the game will be played today.

“The scheduled game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Lois Angeles Dodgers has been temporarily delayed due to the presence of a beehive in the netting directly behind home plate at Chase Field.

“We anticipate that the game will resume promptly following the successful removal of the beehive by a professional beekeeper. Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.”

If the game is unable to be played on Tuesday, the Dodgers have an off day on Thursday, but that is also the scheduled day for the Blue Diamond Gala. They do not return to Arizona until August 30.

Landon Knack was scheduled to start for the Dodgers, but with the length of the delay, it seems unlikely he would pitch if this game gets underway.

Has there ever been a bee delay in MLB?

This isn’t the first time bees have delayed or postponed a Major League game, with previous instances happening in Miami and during a spring training matchup at Tempe Diablo Stadium between the Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels.