Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Kendall George has undergone season-ending knee surgery, the outfielder announced Friday. The procedure comes more than two months after he sustained the injury in a freak accident involving a bat dog.
George, 21, posted on Instagram that the surgery was a success and that he anticipates a full recovery by the start of spring training next year. "New knee for the kidddd," he wrote, humorously adding, "Bat dog: 1. KG: 0."
The incident occurred in late May when George, after scoring, had to leap to avoid colliding with the Tulsa affiliate's bat dog near the dugout entrance. He landed awkwardly on his left leg and was seen hobbling off the field. The team's bat dog program was suspended following the event.
Sources initially indicated George suffered a patellar injury, with hopes that surgery would not be necessary. He returned to play in July, hitting .327 over 12 games with three extra-base hits and seven stolen bases for Double-A Tulsa. On the season, he was batting .332 with 33 stolen bases and an .817 OPS. MLB Pipeline had ranked him as the Dodgers' No. 11 prospect.
Last Saturday, George was scratched from the lineup, which initially fueled speculation about a potential trade. While fellow outfield prospect Zyhir Hope was part of the package for the Dodgers' trade for Tarik Skubal, George was dealing with lingering knee issues. He was placed on the injured list this week for further evaluation, which ultimately led to the surgery.
George, a former first-round pick, stole 100 bases in High-A during the 2025 season and was recognized for his speed. The surgery marks a premature end to what had been a promising campaign.