Major League Baseball has handed down suspensions following a benches-clearing incident during a recent game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. The heated rivalry boiled over, resulting in disciplinary action for players and managers alike.
Robert Suarez Suspended for Hitting Shohei Ohtani
San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez received a three-game suspension for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch. In addition to the suspension, Suarez was also fined an undisclosed amount. He has chosen to appeal the decision, which allows him to remain active on the roster until the appeal process is complete.
Managers Roberts and Shildt Face One-Game Suspensions
Adding to the fallout, both managers, Dave Roberts of the Dodgers and Mike Shildt of the Padres, were suspended for one game. The suspensions were issued for "unsportsmanlike conduct and for contributing to inciting the benches-clearing incident." Unlike players, managers do not have the right to appeal such suspensions. Consequently, both Roberts and Shildt will be absent from their respective dugouts tonight. The Dodgers are scheduled to host the Washington Nationals, while the Padres are set to welcome the Kansas City Royals to Petco Park. Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehmann will manage tonight’s game.
Series of Hit Batsmen Preceded Brawl
The suspensions stem from a series of events that escalated tensions between the two teams. Earlier in the game, Dodgers right-hander Jack Little, making his MLB debut, hit Fernando Tatis Jr. on his right hand with a 93 MPH fastball. While Little was optioned back to Triple-A, the league apparently thought it unlikely that Little intended to hit Tatis, which is reflected in the league’s decision not to impose any discipline.
This incident followed a series of hit batsmen throughout the four-game set. Accusations of intentional throwing began to circulate, with Dodger outfielder Andy Pages alleging that Dylan Cease had thrown at him on Monday. Tatis, Jose Iglesias, and Ohtani were all hit by pitches on Tuesday. The situation worsened on Wednesday when Stephen Kolek hit Pages again, and Lou Trivino hit Bryce Johnson with a cutter earlier in Thursday’s game. The frequency of these incidents culminated in the benches-clearing confrontation.
Shildt’s immediate reaction to Little hitting Tatis involved words for the Dodger dugout, prompting Roberts to get involved. The series of events highlights the intensity of the Dodgers-Padres rivalry.