Tensions are already high in Game 3 of the National League between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, with a throwing incident in Game 2, clashes between opposing team players, and a sprinkling of historical rivalries.
However, according to the Los Angeles Times, Padres star third baseman Manny Machado threw a ball into the Dodgers dugout (the dugout he used as a member of the team), prompting him to travel all the way to the MLB league offices to investigate. That's what it means.
Manager Dave Roberts also believes Machado did not simply put the ball out of play by Padres pitcher Yu Darvish stealing the ball from the catcher.
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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts returns to the dugout after making a pitching change during Game 2 of the National League District Series against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Roberts said he saw the viral video and believed Machado intentionally whipped the ball toward the dugout, nearly hitting it.
“I didn't realize it at the time. I really didn't notice it,” Roberts said Monday, according to the New York Post. “I didn't realize it. I saw the video and it was disturbing. Obviously, me and Manny have been in a relationship for years. There was an agenda behind it. Because of the internet, I almost I wasn't shocked.”
“And it was very annoying. If it was directed at me, I think it was very disrespectful. So I don't know what his intentions were. I want to speak for him. No. But I saw the video. And the ball was pointing at me with something behind it, but I don't know what caused it to happen, but the video. I saw it.”
Padres' Jurickson Profar attempts a friendly gesture with Dodgers fans just before objects are thrown at him
Machado was at the center of one aspect of the drama in Game 2. After striking out Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty, he was seen yelling, “Shut up, Mom!” 6th time.
Machado, currently a third baseman, has been in a war of words with Flaherty and appeared to want to meet him after the game.
Ms Flaherty explained why they were barking at each other.
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado stand in the bottom of the third inning of the NLDS game against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. (Jane Comin Once Image Image)
“He would do this thing between innings where he would throw the ball into our dugout and everyone would catch the tail end of it. That's what me and him are going for.” Flaherty said of being thrown in the direction of the ball. Roberts. “I was sitting there for the team. I didn't mean to go at him, but he was throwing the ball towards our dugout, so the referee immediately went and told him – – I don't know what the conversation was, but our dugout was fired.'' There's no reason for that, so wake up. ”
It is common for players to throw the ball out of play when they are not using it, drifting the ball towards the opponent's dugout. However, Machado said there was no substantiation as to why he apparently sped up slowly.
“I'm always throwing the ball to the dugouts. Both dugouts,” he told the Post. “They have a bat boy, so he throws the ball back there.”
Roberts added that he shook his head at Machado while the third baseman and Flaherty were going back and forth, and the reason was that he told Machado that Fernando Tatis Jr. had been intentionally hit by a pitcher in the previous inning. It was said that this was to dissuade him.
“Everyone in baseball understands that you don't intentionally put a leadoff man on base and have three, four, five guys behind him. That makes no sense at all.” said Roberts.
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado struck out in the ninth inning of a game against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. (Kyomio/Imagn Images)
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Jurickson Profar dealt with an object thrown from the stands, the Padres' bullpen did the same, and given the animosity between the players, the tension between both teams and their fan bases ahead of Tuesday's crucial Game 3. It is no exaggeration to say that it has a dangerous atmosphere. San Diego's Petco Park at night.
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