WS champ Dodgers honored at White House

WASHINGTON -- The Dodgers visited the White House on Friday, becoming the first professional sports team to visit during President Joe Biden’s administration. They were also the first team to make such a trip since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of health and safety protocols, the Dodgers had just north of 50 people attend the ceremony, including 20 players, staff members and coaches. Only players that were on the 2020 World Series roster attended the ceremony. Injured players such as Edwin Ríos and Corey Seager were also in attendance.

“I think we all had high expectations of what to expect and it certainly exceeded all of them,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

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During the visit, the team was able to take a tour of the White House and they took pictures with the Commissioner's Trophy and their championship rings. President Biden would then give his speech to the team, praising the Dodgers for their efforts on the field last season and for their role in providing COVID-19 tests and vaccines.

He also said the Dodgers are creating a new dynasty for a new generation and that he thinks “we might be doing this again by the end of the year.”

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was tasked with giving the speech and presenting President Biden with a Dodgers No. 46 jersey. Roberts presented Vice President Kamala Harris with a No. 49 jersey. Reliever Joe Kelly also stole the show as he sported a mariachi jacket, one he acquired last week at Dodger Stadium in exchange for his game jersey.

“What an opportunity,” Kershaw said before Friday’s game. “To go to the White House, to meet the president, vice president and to be in there and see it. I’m not a public speaker, so to be able to speak at the White House is a nerve-wracking thing but pretty cool, so I’m glad I got the opportunity.”

Sunday’s pitching plans
Trevor Bauer was originally scheduled to start on Sunday, but after the right-hander was placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball on Friday, the Dodgers will have to figure out what they will do with their pitching plans.

Roberts said the team is still sorting through its options, but it will be a bullpen game for the Dodgers. David Price could be an option to start, though that could change if he’s needed in relief on Friday or Saturday. Calling up Edwin Uceta to provide length is also a possibility.

But while the Dodgers should have enough arms to get through Sunday, the club will have to figure out what it's going to do next Friday, when Bauer’s spot in the rotation comes back around. A second bullpen game is likely, in which the Dodgers could again call on Price to provide the bulk innings.

Top pitching prospect Josiah Gray isn’t an option for the Dodgers right now. Gray has been throwing live batting practices in Triple-A OKC, but the right-hander hasn’t pitched in a game in two months due to a right shoulder impingement.