In last season’s postseason, the LA Dodgers faced a significant challenge from the San Diego Padres, led by Manny Machado. As the two teams battled it out in the National League Division Series (NLDS), the Padres came dangerously close to eliminating the Dodgers, leading the series 2-1 and placing the Dodgers’ season on the brink. However, a pivotal moment in Game 2 would transform the Dodgers’ mentality and ultimately shift the series’ momentum.
During that game, Machado made a controversial throw towards the Dodgers’ dugout that landed near manager Dave Roberts, prompting a heated exchange with pitcher Jack Flaherty. This incident resonated deeply with Roberts, who reflected on its impact on his team’s mindset during an interview on MLB Network.
Roberts characterized the Dodgers’ approach before the incident as that of “methodical boxers,” focused on traditional strategies throughout the 162-game regular season. But as tensions flared, he noted, “when you get to the postseason, you’ve got to take those gloves off and street fight. At that point, you could see the momentum shift.”
The Dodgers responded to this newfound intensity by shutting out the Padres in both Game 4 and Game 5, securing their place in the next round of the playoffs and eventually winning the Fall Classic.
Notably, Roberts didn’t shy away from criticizing Machado’s actions, describing the throw as “unsettling” and “disrespectful.” He expressed concern over the intent behind the throw, suggesting it carried a message that crossed a line. “If it was intended at me, I would be very—it’s pretty disrespectful,” he stated.
In the aftermath, MLB requested security footage of the incident to determine any potential intent behind Machado’s throw. Ultimately, no conclusive evidence was found, and Machado faced no repercussions from the league office. Nevertheless, the moment served as a rallying point for the Dodgers, igniting a fiercer competitive spirit as they persevered through the challenges posed by their divisional rivals.
This incident encapsulated the intensity of the rivalry and underscored the lengths to which teams must go to claim victory in the postseason. For the Dodgers, it highlighted the transformation from conventional play to the grit and determination necessary to overcome adversity in pursuit of a championship.
