Padres manager Mike Shildt fired back at the notion that third baseman Manny Machado threw a ball toward Dodgers manager Dave Roberts purposefully during Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday night.
Roberts previously told reporters that he thought the incident was “unsettling” and that he didn’t notice what had happened at the time, but “I did see the video.”
Shildt backed Machado when he spoke with reporters ahead of Game 3 on Tuesday.
“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 said, according to MLB.com. “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 was on display the other night in a very tough environment.
“I don’t think there was any intent at all with that,” Shildt added. “Manny has exceptional arm talent.”
Video showed Machado throwing a ball on low toward the Dodgers dugout in the middle of the sixth before Los Angeles went to bat.
The Athletic reported that video that wasn’t available to the public showed a clearer picture of what happened, and third base umpire Tripp Gibson went up to Machado shortly after he sent the ball in the Dodgers dugout’s direction.
“It was unsettling. Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past,” Roberts said. “There was intent behind it. It didn’t almost hit me because there was a net. And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me … it’s pretty disrespectful.
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“So 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.”
The Athletic also reported that there wasn’t any real belief that Machado was trying to hit Roberts, rather the feeling was he was trying to send a message.
Machado appeared to imply on Sunday that his action did have some retaliatory intent behind it after Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty hit Fernando Tatís Jr. with a fastball down 3-1 in the ballgame.
Roberts was Machado’s manager in 2018 while he was with the Dodgers after they picked him up in a trade with the Orioles.
Machado moved to San Diego the following offseason after Los Angeles lost in the World Series to the Red Sox.
