Manny Machado Responds to Dave Roberts’ Claims That Padres Star Threw Ball at Dodgers Manager
On Monday, the rivalry between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers added another tense layer when manager Dave Roberts accused Manny Machado of throwing a baseball at him between innings of Game 2 of the NLDS.
Read more: Dodgers Sent Video to MLB Showing Manny Machado Throwing Baseball at Dave Roberts
Roberts, who said he noticed Machado’s throw after observing the video, called the All-Star third baseman’s actions “unsettling,” according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Machado was quick to deflect when asked about the situation.
“I spoke about this last night after the game,” Machado told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “I’ve already turned the page, and I’m just looking forward to playing in front of our fans tomorrow and preparing for another tough battle against a very good team.”
A Dodgers team member confirmed on Monday that Machado’s throw was aimed toward the dugout section nearest to home plate, where Roberts typically sits during games. According to The Athletic, footage reveals Machado’s throw striking the netting in front of Roberts and bouncing towards home plate.
Shortly after the incident, umpire Tripp Gibson can be seen approaching Machado in the video. The Dodgers have forwarded this video to Major League Baseball for further examination.
“There was intent behind it,” Roberts said. “It didn’t almost hit me because there was a net. And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would be very —it’s pretty disrespectful.
“I don’t know his intent. I don’t want to speak for him. But I did see the video. And the ball was directed at me with something behind it.”
Machado, who played under Roberts with the Dodgers in 2018, confirmed to The Athletic that he threw a baseball toward the dugout on Sunday night. However, there is disagreement between both parties about the intensity of the throw.
“Did Flaherty throw the ball hard at the other guy?” Machado told The Athletic, alluding to Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty hitting Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch the previous half-inning. “They can say whatever they want. I threw the ball like I always throw it into any dugout.”
The Padres have completely adopted “the villain-type kind of role” and will ride that as far as it takes them but if the Dodgers and their fans allow it to get under their skin then it could carry San Diego to a series win.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images
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