Padres manager defends Manny Machado after drama against Dodgers

SAN DIEGO – Padres manager Mike Shildt came out forcefully in defense of Manny Machado on Tuesday, a day after Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called the third baseman's throw toward his dugout “disturbing.”

When asked about Roberts' comments, Shildt said he would never “degrade another player on another team, especially one that I have coached in the past, and I will never do that 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, particularly the impromptu team meeting he led in the dugout after a seventh inning and attended by fans of the Dodger Stadium participants hurled objects onto the field.

“He, I and no one else would claim to be perfect,” Shildt said, “but Manny has made some progress that is very impressive both on and off the field. It was a privilege to witness that. It is representative of the fact that he is a Roberto Clemente award winner, and I expect him to win it. I have the privilege of watching him behind the scenes alongside our players doing some truly special things for young people and our community.

“But people clearly have the right to share what they want and how they want to share it.”

Roberts declined comment when reading part of Shildt's remarks before Game 3.

Major League Baseball reviewed footage of Machado's throw toward the Dodgers' dugout, which fell into the net in front of where Roberts normally sits, and will not issue any discipline, a source told ESPN.

Asked if he had reason to believe Machado was aiming his throw at Roberts, Shildt replied: “Zero.”

“Manny has exceptional arm talent,” Shildt said, before pointing out how the Padres secured a playoff spot on Sept. 24 at Dodger Stadium. “I think he proved that in the triple play.”

Both teams expect emotions to run high Tuesday in front of a charged crowd at Petco Park, and Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy stressed the importance of maintaining focus internally.

“The Padres — as a team, as a stadium, as an atmosphere — thrive on these kinds of emotions,” Muncy said. “If we play in there, we’re playing right into their hands. We need to focus on ourselves.”