Following a tension-filled series, the Los Angeles Dodgers (46-30) and San Diego Padres (40-34) finally succumbed to their emotions on Thursday night. And now come the consequences. MLB is suspending managers Dave Roberts and Mike Shildt and Padres closer Robert Suarez, per ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
All three men were ejected in the last game on Thursday.
Roberts and Shildt will each serve a one-game suspension on Friday and pay a fine, while Suarez is getting slapped with a three-game suspension. He is appealing the decision.
Considering that the 2024 All-Star hit Shohei Ohtani in the back a half-inning after Dodgers rookie Jack Little stuck Fernando Tatis Jr. in the left hand, it is hard to see the league’s decision getting overturned. There is not a person watching that game who is going to believe that Suarez’s intentions were pure.
There are plenty of people who think the Venezuelan right-hander and Padres were within their right to take action after Tatis was pelted once again in the series. But LA will argue that San Diego put Andy Pages’ health at risk as well and crossed the line by making an example out of the reigning MVP. Both sides are frustrated and feel their players are not being properly protected.
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Dodgers and Padres will try to move forward
Perhaps these suspensions will force each team to exercise caution when they next square off on Aug. 15. Dave Roberts and Mike Shildt could try to set the tone and ensure that the focus remains on baseball when that date arrives. The two former National League Manager of the Year winners will have to find common ground first, though.
Shildt directed his fury at Roberts after Tatis was drilled by the now minor-league bound Jack Little. In turn, Roberts came blazing out of the dugout and shoved his fellow skipper. They could both use a day to emotionally reset. Robert Suarez is not willing to take his punishment lying down, however. He will be available until MLB hands down a final ruling on his appeal.
The Dodgers wrap up their 10-game homestand against the visiting Washington Nationals (31-44), while the Padres welcome in the Kansas City Royals (37-38). Both clubs should have plenty of steam to blow off this weekend.
