Roberts Accuses Machado of 'Intentional' Throw in NLDS: Did It Cross the Line?
The 2018 NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves was a fiery affair, filled with intensity and a bit of bad blood. But one particular play in Game 4 sparked a controversy that continues to be debated today: Manny Machado's hard slide into shortstop, and subsequent throw, at Dodgers shortstop, Corey Seager.
After a ground ball was hit to Machado, he slid hard into second base, attempting to break up a potential double play. Seager, unable to get out of the way in time, took a hard hit from Machado's knee. In a fit of frustration, Machado threw the ball hard towards first base, seemingly in anger at Seager.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts was furious, calling the throw "intentional" and accusing Machado of trying to injure Seager. Roberts' claims were met with a chorus of boos from the Braves faithful, and Machado vehemently denied any intent to hurt Seager, claiming he simply "lost the ball".
This incident set off a wave of debate. Some argued that Machado's actions were a reckless and dangerous display of frustration, while others defended him, pointing to the heat of the moment and the competitive nature of the game.
What made this incident so controversial was the potential for injury. Seager, while not injured on the play, could have easily been hurt by Machado's throw, especially given the momentum he carried.
The incident added fuel to a longstanding debate about the line between aggressive play and intent to injure in baseball. While hard slides and aggressive plays are a part of the game, there's a clear difference between pushing the limits of the rules and intentionally trying to cause harm.
The MLB responded to the incident by fining Machado $10,000 for his actions. However, this wasn't the end of the story. Machado's play, and the subsequent reaction, highlighted a larger conversation about the boundaries of competitive spirit in baseball, a conversation that continues to this day.
Whether or not Machado's throw was "intentional" remains a matter of opinion. What's clear is that the incident showcased the passion and intensity of baseball, reminding us that emotions can sometimes run high in the heat of the moment.
