San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt is standing firmly behind star player Manny Machado.
Machado was embroiled in controversy following Game 2 of the NLDS between the Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
During the 6th inning of the contest, Machado threw a ball toward the Dodger dugout.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts later told reporters that he believed Machado’s throw was directed at him and called the stunt “disrespectful.” You can read Roberts’ full comments about Machado here.
On Tuesday, Shildt was asked about the incident ahead of Game 3 of the Dodgers-Padres series. The 2019 NL Manager of the Year dispelled the notion that Manny intentionally tried to hit Roberts. He also suggested that given Machado’s cannon for an arm, an intentional throw at Roberts would have looked a lot worse than it did.
“No, I don’t think there was any intent at all with that,” said Shildt. “Manny has got exceptional arm talent. I think he proved that on the triple play.”
Mike Shildt on if Manny Machado intended to hit Dave Roberts with his throw:
“No, I don’t think there was any intent at all with that. Manny has exceptional arm talent. I think he proved that on the triple play.” pic.twitter.com/ErYuy9QDdY
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 8, 2024
Machado admitted after Game 2 that he was frustrated with Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, who had hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch during the half-inning prior.
Even if the Padres infielder did intentionally toss the ball at the direction of the Dodgers’ dugout, it hardly had enough juice to cause any damage.
