The Washington Nationals are in big trouble this season. They are by far the worst team in MLB (43 league wins) and controversially traded superstar Juan Soto at the trade deadline. They need all the pick-me-ups they can get.
On Tuesday, they received one. National players hung out with puppies from Rescue animals from a wolf trap before kicking off their series against the Oakland Athletics.
As you can see a lot of the puppies were very very swept away.
brb we play with the cutest puppies ever pic.twitter.com/wRCfTVSqF0
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 30, 2022
Sean Doolittle jumped the fence of the makeshift puppy pen and picked up two of the dogs. “Hi, are you awake!” he said to a black Labrador puppy he was cradling.
Top pitching prospect Cade Cavalli, who made his first MLB start against the Reds last Friday, stopped by for a few hugs.
Two very good boys. 😍😍@CADECAVALLI pic.twitter.com/vGyKFvYQ30
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 30, 2022
He also lost a tug of war.
Pitcher Joe Ross and catcher Riley Adams brought the pups to the field.
Joe Ross met the puppies.
Joe Ross met the puppies again.
Joe Ross brought the puppies to the field.
Best day of my life. pic.twitter.com/qfsGD7XrKb
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 30, 2022
Adams warmed up with one of the puppies, who enthusiastically chased him into the outfield.
The event made everyone smile.
The Nationals are no strangers to having furry friends in the ballpark (and no, I’m not talking about Race Chairman Abe’s beard). The franchise hosts Pups in the Park events throughout the season where owners can bring their dogs to playtime.
The next Pups in the Park will be on September 17 when the Miami Marlins are in town. All proceeds from dog ticket sales at this game will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Screenshots via @wolftrapanimalrescue/Instagram