The series between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers had an explosive start. The first game between the two saw everything, from brilliant hitting to a great comeback. But the moment which became the highlight was the confrontation between Will Smith and Marcell Ozuna. This happened during the 4th inning of the game when Ozuna made a shot, but his backswing hit Smith.
This put both players in a moment of heat, and the benches were about to get cleared. But the situation eventually settled down before further escalation. Now, the Braves designated hitter Ozuna has clarified the incident. But MLB fans are not happy and have shared their disappointment regarding this.
Marcell Ozuna says that he never tries to hurt anyone
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A clarification has come from the Atlanta Braves star. According to journalist Justin Toscano, Ozuna said that it was unintentional. He quotes Ozuna and shares.“Marcell Ozuna told me he didn’t intend to hit Will Smith with his backswing.” He added, “Ozuna said Smith told him to “clean it up.”
Marcell Ozuna told me he didn’t intend to hit Will Smith with his backswing. Ozuna said he’s never trying to hurt anyone. Ozuna said Smith told him to “clean it up” and that it was the fifth time Ozuna had hit Smith like that.
Ozuna suggested Smith back up when he hits.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 23, 2023
Notably, the Dodgers catcher had faced a concussion in the past. Smith focusing on the incident shared,” I was just mad. He hit me in the head with his bat pretty hard. It’s not the first time he’s done it to me. He’s done it to other catchers around the league. I just felt like there comes a point where I need to say something there. In the moment, it kind of got a little heated. It’s something he’s not doing on purpose. But you do it enough times, you’d think he’d fix it.”
Meanwhile, this incident didn’t go well for the Braves. Ozuna could not make much impact on the game and finished without zero hits to his name.
The Dodgers made a comeback into the game. It all happened when the Braves were already in a 4-0 lead. After this incident, the Braves lost control of the game, eventually losing out 8-6. Reportedly, this was the fifth time Ozuna hit Will Smith on the backswing. Fans are not happy with the incident.
MLB fans are not accepting any clarification from Ozuna.
Fans have shown their displeasure and called Ozuna’s comments vague. Here are a few of the reactions to his statement!
Why are we even talking about this unless it’s to criticize Smith!?
Almost 5000 plate appearances, same swing Ozuna always takes from *inside* the batters box.
1) Smith needs to back up
2) Smith needs to chillI guess getting hit in the head 4x isn’t enough🤷🏻♂️ #SlowLearner
— Micah MacDonald⳩ (@MicahMacDonald) May 23, 2023
Absolute clown
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) May 23, 2023
Ozuna also suggested everybody clear the roads and not drive when he decides to take the wheel under the influence
— Shant (@shantapelian) May 23, 2023
W ozuna that’s funny
— Dooha (@Dooha1675) May 23, 2023
Just ã backswing… happens all the time
— Brandon Smith (@Brandon81722221) May 23, 2023
Ozuna hits catchers all the time. Has nothing to do with smith being to close. Happens every other game.
— Iggy (@ChopIggy) May 23, 2023
Didn’t his back swing hit Fortes multiple times this year?
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) May 23, 2023
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Fans have rejected the claims of Ozuna. Will Smith has shared his side too. It will be interesting to see how things move in the future. Will MLB make any amends to the rules regarding catchers? Only time will tell
What do you make of this story? Should MLB work on the rules regarding catchers? Let us know in the comments below!
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