Padres Rumors: Manny Machado Won't Face MLB Discipline for Throwing at Dodgers Dugout

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado will not face discipline after throwing a baseball toward the Los Angeles Dodgers dugout prior to the bottom of the sixth inning during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday evening, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez:

"Major League Baseball reviewed footage of Machado's throw toward the Dodgers' dugout, which caromed to the netting in front of where Roberts usually sits, and will not hand out any discipline, a source told ESPN."

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic previously reported that the Dodgers sent video to Major League Baseball of Machado throwing the ball toward the dugout. Video emerged from multiple sources after it happened.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Machado's throw was "unsettling."

"It was unsettling," Roberts said, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

"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. And that was very bothersome. If it was intended at me, I would be very -- it's pretty disrespectful. 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. But I don't know what led to that."

Machado said after the game, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com: "I throw balls all the time into the dugouts. Both dugouts. They have bat boys, you throw the ball back in there."

Padres manager Mike Shildt defended Machado, saying he didn't believe there was any intent at all behind the throw.

At any rate, Machado won't be punished by the league, which is obviously a welcome sight for the Padres. The six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner hit 29 home runs with 105 RBI. Both figures led the team.

There's ultimately no love lost between the Dodgers and Padres, who have become bitter NL West rivals over the years. The two teams have now faced each other three times in the National League Division Series. L.A. took out San Diego en route to a World Series victory in 2020. The Padres then pulled off a massive upset over the 111-win Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS.

Now the two teams are amid a heated series in 2024, with the winner facing the victor of the New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies NLDS for the right to fight for the pennant.