Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado was at the center of controversy in Tuesday’s marathon victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
Before crossing the plate as the winning run in the 13th inning, the 26-year-old induced a benches-clearing incident three innings prior when he clipped Brewers first baseman Jesús Aguilar’s heel while running out a ground ball.
The two exchanged word but nothing more came of the event, however. Machado seemed to have cleared the air with Aguilar after reaching base in his next plate appearance.
MLB reviewed the incident overnight and reportedly fined Machado his actions, via Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
MLB has fined Manny Machado an undisclosed amount for the way he ran into Jesus Aguilar last night, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 17, 2018
In being financially punished and not suspended, the Dodgers will have the luxury of keeping Machado’s bat in the lineup for the remainder of the NLCS.
Machado found himself under scrutiny at the conclusion of Game 4, drawing harsh words from Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich. The presumed 2018 NL MVP referred to the Dodgers shortstop as a “dirty player” and threw expletives at him in an interview.
Machado defended his actions, citing that he’ll do whatever it takes to help his team win. He otherwise shrugged off Yelich’s comments, as did Dodgers manager Dave Roberts before Game 5 at Dodger Stadium.
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