Tensions were high in the 2024 National League Division Series.
The San Diego Padres nearly eliminated the Los Angeles Dodgers, and despite ultimately falling to L.A., the Padres were undoubtedly the most challenging postseason team for Los Angeles to overcome.
More news: Dave Roberts Says Dodgers and Padres are Rivals
As both clubs fought to advance to the NL Championship Series, Padres third baseman Manny Machado got into an argument with former Dodgers’ starting pitcher Jack Flaherty during Game 2.
Flaherty hit outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. in the top of the sixth inning, which Machado claimed was intentional. Then, Flaherty struck out Machado that same inning and told him to “Sit the f*** down”.
Machado responded by throwing a ball towards the Dodgers’ dugout after warming up for the bottom of the sixth inning.
The ball was thrown in the direction of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
After reviewing the footage of the throw, Roberts said “there was intent behind [the throw]”.
At the time of the incident, Roberts did not have communication with Machado except for a head shake that suggested Flaherty did not intentionally hit Tatis Jr.
Roberts told reporters this week that he has not spoken to Machado since the incident. But the pair will come face to face six more times over the next two weeks, as the Dodgers and Padres play in two series.
“No, I haven’t talked to him,” Roberts said. “I’m sure we’ll chat a little bit.”
Machado had a brief stint with the Dodgers for the second half of the 2018 season. Los Angeles acquired the six-time All-Star in a trade deadline deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
Although Roberts initially described the incident as “unsettling”, he said he still has respect for his former player.
“There’s a mutual respect,” Roberts said. “Like I said last year, it’s gamesmanship. We’re doing what we can to help our clubs win. But the love and respect, nothing has changed.”
The Dodgers claimed the first of six upcoming games against the Padres, defeating San Diego, 8-7, in 10 innings. There was no bad blood between opposing teams in the first game, but Machado did take issue with the umpires in the extra innings loss.
More news: Dodgers’ Tommy Edman Discusses Big Series Against Padres, Giants This Week
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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