Shildt: ‘Zero’ chance Machado targeted Roberts
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Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO — Padres manager Mike Shildt vehemently came to Manny Machado‘s defense Tuesday, one day after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called the third baseman’s throw toward his dugout “unsettling.”
When asked about Roberts’ comment, Shildt said he would never “disparage another player on another team, especially anybody I’ve managed in the past, nor will I do it to a collective team.”
The Padres manager then praised Machado’s “professionalism and leadership” in the team’s 10-2 win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series on Sunday, most notably the impromptu team meeting he led in the dugout after a seventh inning that saw Dodger Stadium fans hurl objects onto the field.
“He nor I nor anyone would profess to be perfect,” Shildt said, “but Manny has made some strides that are very impressive both on and off the field. It’s been a privilege to witness that. It’s representative of him being a Roberto Clemente Award winner, and I expect him to win it. I get the privilege of seeing him, along with our players, behind the scenes do some really special things for young people, our community.
“But people have their right, clearly, to share what they want and how they want to share it.”
Roberts declined to comment when read part of Shildt’s remarks before Game 3.
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.
Asked if he had any reason to believe Machado was targeting Roberts with his throw, Shildt said, “Zero.”
“Manny has exceptional arm talent,” Shildt said, before noting how the Padres clinched a playoff spot at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 24. “I think he proved that on the triple play.”
Both teams expect emotions to be high in front of a charged crowd at Petco Park on Tuesday, and Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy emphasized the importance of keeping the focus internally.
“The Padres — as a team, as a stadium, as an atmosphere — thrive on that kind of emotion,” Muncy said. “If we play into that, we’re playing right into their hands. We’ve got to focus on ourselves.”
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs and free agent Colin Rea have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract, reuniting the right-hander with manager Craig Counsell, a source told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers on Friday.
The 34-year-old Rea made one appearance with Milwaukee in 2021 and then pitched in Japan during the 2022 season before returning to the Brewers. He went 12-6 with a 4.29 ERA over 27 starts and five relief appearances for the NL Central champions last year.
Counsell managed Milwaukee for nine years before he was hired by Chicago in November 2023.
Rea gives Counsell and Chicago another versatile arm for their pitching staff. The Cubs have Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd for their rotation, but Rea could push Javier Assad for the fifth spot or work out of the bullpen.
Rea became a free agent when Milwaukee declined its $5.5 million club option on his contract in November. The Iowa native was paid a $1 million buyout.
Rea was selected by San Diego in the 12th round of the 2011 amateur draft out of Indiana State. He made his big league debut with the Padres in 2015.
He pitched for the Cubs during the 2020 season, going 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in nine appearances, including two starts.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has banned two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending games at big league ballparks.
The league sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.
“On Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior,” said the letter, the contents of which were first reported by the New York Post and later obtained by The Associated Press.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities,” the letter said. “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass.”
MLB has previously issued leaguewide bans for fans who trespass on the field or threaten baseball personnel. A fan who approached Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. at Colorado’s Coors Field in 2023 received a similar ban.
Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on Oct. 29 and banned from Game 5 the following night.
Betts leaped at the retaining wall in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres‘ pop fly in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees road jersey grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ bare hand.
The Yankees at the time called the behavior “egregious and unacceptable.”
The team said Friday the two fans MLB banned were not season-ticket holders. The Post reported Friday that the person who is the season ticket holder was not at the game and will be allowed to keep them.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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