At NDLS Game 2 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the air was thick with tension. The Dodgers had won the game prior, with Shohei Ohtani being the hero. And the Padres needed to get this win to even it out. That intensity might have fueled the numerous controversial moments that unfolded. The Dodgers fans were seen throwing balls, beer cans, and even trash at more than one San Diego player. Things were getting heated up, and to make matters worse, there was a verbal spat between Padres shortstop Manny Machado and Dodgers ace Jack Flaherty. The latter came out on top in that verbal spat, adding more fuel to the fire.

But just when it seemed like the Diego Padres were getting sympathy for the poor behavior of fans—a twist! A video has surfaced of Machado supposedly throwing a ball toward the Dodgers dugout, even before the game started. This behavior by the supposed leader has put them back under the microscope and has raised a few eyebrows. And Machado’s postgame interview reveals that it might just have been intentional.

Manny Machado’s leadership is in question

The game was tense because there was a heated exchange between Jack Flaherty regarding him hitting Fernando Tatis Jr. in the game. Machado was losing his cool, and so were his players. So he did what a leader should do—call a meeting. It was an impromptu meeting, and he asked his players to focus on the task at hand. And even baseball greats like Alex Rodriguez lauded Machado for his leadership and maturity. Except, it might not all be that innocent anymore, given that Machado was seen on video throwing a ball toward the Dodgers dugout.

Moreover, in the postgame interview, what Machado said made it look like his actions were in retaliation to what happened with Tatis Jr. Manny Machado said, “I mean both dugouts. I mean, they have my boys, you know, throw the ball back in there. So, um, yeah, I mean, when you try to hit our best hitter, right? Get him out…We don’t go out there and try to hit Ohtani; we try to get him out, right? Um, don’t go out there and try to hit my guy.” By his words, it’s clear—Machado stood up for his teammate.

But despite all the frustrations, Machado did appreciate the gameplay, with Jack Flaherty saying he made some quality pitches. And lucky for Manny Machado, their team was on the winning side that day. But now that the Dodgers team is fired up, it remains to see if they can channel that charge into the field or not.

Dave Roberts calls out Manny Machado’s actions 

Manny Machado is a beloved figure in MLB. Yet recently he has been under the microscope due to his controversial actions on the field. Whether it’s his fiery personality or the will to step up for his mates—it has all landed him in trouble. And yet again, the case was the same this time. And the ball thrown toward the Dodgers dugout just left a foul taste in everyone’s mouth, including Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts.

Dave Roberts described the entire ordeal as unsettling and disrespectful. Roberts said, “Obviously I have a relationship with Manny from years past. There was intent behind it. It didn’t almost hit me because there was a net.” Dave Roberts said that the gesture bothered him deeply. Even Jack Flaherty addressed the incident, first defending his actions. He said he doesn’t have any reason to go hit a guy to start the sixth. Then he criticized Machado for his throw but also eased the tension, saying Machado brought a lot to the field.

Now the series stands at 1-1, so the next game at Petco Park will be electrifying. The San Diego Padres are hoping for a hostile reception from their competition fans. And as far as punishment goes for Machado, it seems unlikely, given his intent seems unclear. The drama is unfolding with every game, and it is just two games in. It only remains to see what is to happen next. What do you think will happen? Who will win the series? Let us know!