In the aftermath of a tense NLDS Game 2, San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado found himself at the center of controversy once again. This time, it was a baseball tossed in the direction of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts that sparked heated debate.
Roberts, who has a history with Machado from the slugger’s stint with the Dodgers in 2018, reviewed internal footage of the incident and deemed it “unsettling.” While Machado downplayed the throw, claiming it was a routine gesture, those who witnessed it or saw the video feed described it as a firm, intentional toss that bounced before hitting the netting near Roberts’ seat.
The drama unfolded after Machado accused Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty of hitting Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. on purpose, a claim Flaherty vehemently denied. The exchange escalated, with Flaherty yelling at Machado to “sit the f— down” after striking him out, and Machado seemingly challenging him to a postgame fight.
Flaherty later revealed his anger stemmed from Machado’s baseball toss into the Dodgers’ dugout. Machado initially dismissed the incident, but his words hinted at a deeper motivation. “When you try to hit our best hitter… don’t hit him. Right? They have the best player in the game, right? [Shohei] Ohtani? We don’t go out there and try to hit Ohtani. We try to get him out.”
Roberts, who has a relationship with Machado from their time together in Los Angeles, expressed disappointment and frustration with the situation. “If it was intended at me, I would be very – it’s pretty disrespectful,” he said. Major League Baseball has requested footage of the incident, but punishment seems unlikely.
As the NLDS continues, tensions between the Padres and Dodgers remain high. Flaherty has apologized for his role in the altercation, while Machado has moved on, focusing on the next game. The drama, however, will likely linger, fueling an already intense rivalry between these two National League powerhouses.
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