Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers holding their workout at Petco Park on Monday, manager Dave Roberts was critical of San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado throwing a baseball toward the dugout during Game 2 of the National League Division Series.
Not mentioned was Padres manager Mike Shildt, who nevertheless appeared to take issue with Roberts’ claims.
Roberts admitted to not being aware the ball had been sent in his direction, but said after reviewing video of the incident, he felt Machado purposely took aim and threw with “intent behind it.”
Roberts also surmised the Padres as a team collectively enjoyed being a villain of sorts.
MLB asked the Dodgers for footage of the incident, though Machado isn’t expected to be suspended or receive any other punishment.
Third base umpire Tripp Gibson spoke with Machado in the moment, but that was perceived to be relatively friendly in nature. Machado put his arm around Gibson’s shoulder during their brief conversation.
“I don’t think they should have had a little arm-around-each-other conversation,” Roberts said. “If players can throw balls at opposing managers…”
Machado claimed he was merely throwing a ball into the dugout, just like he always has.
The saga added another layer to an already-charged NLDS matchup. The postseason meeting between the Dodgers and Padres is their third since 2020.
Mike Shildt responds to Dave Roberts
Tuesday was the first opportunity Padres manager Mike Shildt had to address what Roberts alleged, though he only did so with thinly-veiled criticism of his counterpart.
“Well, I come from maybe just a different philosophy of dealing with this. I couldn’t help but have people share them with me so I’m aware of them. Listen, I got into this game to help players get the most out of their God-given ability and to compete on the field and respect the opponent,” Shildt began.
“I’m not nor will I ever disparage another player on another team, especially anybody I’ve managed in the past nor will I do it to a collective team. That’s not how I want to operate. I have a lot of respect for their club, the players on their club. As far as Manny goes, it’s unfortunate people can’t move on from things from the past. I thought Manny’s exhibition of professionalism and leadership were on display the other night in a very tough environment.
“He, nor I, nor anyone would profess to be perfect, but Manny has made some strides that are very impressive both on and off the field. It’s been a privilege to witness that. It’s representative of him being a Roberto Clemente Award [nominee] and I expect him to win it. I get the privilege of seeing him, along with our players, behind the scenes do some really special things for young people, our community.
“But people have their right, clearly, to share what they want and how they want to share it. As far as the comments about the team, again, ‘privilege’ keeps coming up in my head. It’s beyond a privilege. I’ve been doing this for 30-plus years.
“We all have our transgressions we have. None of us are perfect. But I can speak to the heart of caring about people and players. Been with teams for a long time that represent themselves with class and dignity. And I don’t have to defend this team. This team does not need my defense nor do our players need to defend themselves. Again, very tough environment the other evening.
“I thought they handled themselves exceptionally well. Yeah, they had the right to defend themselves, but they also were able to stay focused and participate. And, oh, by the way, we play a baseball game. Again, our club doesn’t need to be defended. I love the joy that our club brings. I love the enthusiasm they bring I love the freedom they play with. And, again, I love their heart for our community and our organization. That’s as far as I’ll go.”
Shildt added there was “zero” possibility that Machado targeted Roberts with the baseball.
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