Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Padres third baseman Manny Machado still haven’t talked since last year’s NLDS inciden
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rivalry with the San Diego Padres reached a boiling point during the 2024 National League Division Series (NLDS), culminating in a controversial incident involving Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Padres third baseman Manny Machado. The fallout from that moment has lingered, with both parties maintaining a distance that underscores the intensity of their on-field animosity.
During Game 2 of the 2024 NLDS, tensions escalated between the two teams. In the top of the sixth inning, after Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty struck out Machado, words were exchanged between Flaherty and the Padres’ star. Later, as the Padres were warming up for the bottom half of the inning, Machado threw a baseball toward the Dodgers’ dugout. The ball appeared to be directed at Roberts, who was positioned near the front of the dugout. The throw was intercepted by the protective netting, narrowly avoiding hitting Roberts.
Roberts later described the incident as “unsettling” and “bothersome,” expressing concern over the apparent intent behind the throw . He stated, “There was intent behind it. It didn’t almost hit me because there was a net. And that was very bothersome.” Machado, however, denied any malicious intent, suggesting that throwing baseballs into dugouts is a common practice and not meant to cause harm .
The incident did not end with the throw. In Game 3, Machado’s base-running tactics led to a controversial play. As he veered onto the grass between first and second base, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s throw hit Machado’s helmet, resulting in an error and allowing Machado to reach third base. This play sparked further tensions, with Dodgers players and fans expressing their displeasure .
In response to the events, the Padres issued a warning to their fans about abusive behavior before Game 3, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy . Despite the heightened emotions, the Padres won Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead. However, the Dodgers bounced back, winning Game 4 on the road and clinching the series in Game 5, during which the Padres failed to score in their final 24 innings .
As of June 2025, the relationship between Roberts and Machado remains strained. Both have publicly stated that they have not communicated since the incident. Roberts referred to Machado as “like a son” but acknowledged the competitive nature of their relationship . Machado echoed similar sentiments, expressing a desire to move forward and focus on the current season .
Their interactions during the 2025 season have been limited. In their most recent meeting on June 10, 2025, the Padres defeated the Dodgers 11-1, but there were no notable exchanges between Roberts and Machado during the game . The absence of direct communication suggests that both are prioritizing their respective teams’ success over personal reconciliation.
The incident during the 2024 NLDS marked a significant chapter in the Dodgers-Padres rivalry, highlighting the intense emotions and competitive spirit that define postseason baseball. While both Roberts and Machado have publicly downplayed the need for personal resolution, the lingering tension indicates that the effects of that moment continue to influence their interactions. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether time will heal the rift or if the animosity will persist, adding another layer to one of baseball’s most compelling rivalries.
