On Thursday, tension escalated in the rivalry between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers as Padres pitcher Robert Suarez was suspended by MLB for three games after hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch. The incident took place during the final moments of a fiercely contested series between these division foes, highlighting the intensity and animosity present in this matchup.

Escalation of Hostilities Leads to Multiple Ejections

The confrontation unfolded in the top of the ninth inning when Dodgers relief pitcher Jack Little hit Fernando Tatis Jr., causing the two-time All-Star obvious discomfort. Padres manager Mike Shildt emerged from his dugout to dispute the call with the umpires, which prompted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to come onto the field and shove Shildt. This physical altercation resulted in an exchange of heated words and the clearing of benches, ultimately leading to the ejection of both managers from the game.

Following this incident, tensions remained high. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Robert Suarez hit Shohei Ohtani with a pitch, marking the second time in the series where a hit-by-pitch against Tatis Jr. was followed by one against Ohtani. Despite being hit, Ohtani maintained his composure, encouraging his teammates to stay calm and even shaking hands with Suarez before the pitcher was ejected for hitting the reigning National League MVP.

MLB Issues Suspensions Following the Incident

Major League Baseball responded swiftly to the multiple incidents during the game. While both managers, Shildt and Roberts, received one-game suspensions for their roles, Suarez was penalized more severely with a three-game suspension for intentionally hitting Ohtani. The Venezuelan pitcher later announced plans to appeal the suspension.

Shohei Ohtani gets drilled up and in on a 3-0 pitch with a base open.Robert Suárez was ejected from the game.(Via: @SportsNetLA)pic.twitter.com/QapZFzP3Bk— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV)

Robert Suarez receives a three-game suspension and fine for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani last nightMike Shildt and Dave Roberts have also received a one-game suspension and fine pic.twitter.com/j2oy67H7qX— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff)

Robert Suarez Denies Intentional Aim at Shohei Ohtani

After facing heavy scrutiny, Robert Suarez rejected claims that he deliberately targeted Ohtani. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had insisted the pitch was intentional, highlighting concerns about putting a star player at risk of injury, particularly as Ohtani had recently returned to pitching duties. Suarez, via an interpreter, expressed his disagreement with these accusations and insisted the hit was unintentional.

I was never trying to get anyone into trouble or hit anybody. Unfortunately, it happened. I got ejected and I couldn’t finish out the game, but we won as a team and we were able to salvage that game. They (Dodgers) entitled to their opinion. They can say whatever they want. That was not the case.

Suarez’s stance remained firm despite mounting criticism, emphasizing the competitive nature of the game. The hit occurred on a 3-0 count on a 100 mph fastball, striking Ohtani on the shoulder. At that point, the Padres were leading 5-0 entering the ninth inning but allowed three runs before securing a 5-3 victory, thus avoiding a series sweep by the Dodgers.

Robert Suarez was asked for a response to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saying that he intentionally hit Shohei Ohtani in last night’s game. Suarez: “They can say whatever they want. That was not the case.” pic.twitter.com/KX4c2uoqQt— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD)

MLB Analysts Weigh In on Suarez’s Actions

The dramatic series finale sparked extensive discussion among baseball insiders, including experts Jake Peavy, Jon Heyman, Steve Phillips, and Thad Levine on the MLB Now show. Jon Heyman was notably direct in his assessment, asserting the Venezuelan pitcher intentionally threw at Ohtani, yet gave Suarez some credit for declining to comment rather than fabricating an explanation.

I will say this about Suarez. He obviously did it on purpose, and he declined comment. I’ll give him a little credit. I usually don’t like people declining comment, but it’s better than lying and we all know that he was up to no good there. As I said, he was one of many up to no good, but at least he didn’t lie about it.

Heyman further stressed that hitting Ohtani cannot be tolerated due to the player’s exceptional skill and importance to the game. His remarks drew significant attention and debate on social media.

I understand that it’s a star for a star and I for an eye. Ohtani is on a different level. We can’t hit Ohtani. You just can’t. He is a phenomenon… Just can’t do it for the good of the game. Find another star to hit. That’s not the guy to hit.

Jake Peavy, @JonHeyman, @StevePhillipsGM and Thad Levine discuss the series of events that led to last night’s benches-clearing exchange in the Padres-Dodgers game. pic.twitter.com/DDsnVNXfeP— MLB Now (@MLBNow)

Upcoming Outlook for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani is expected to start for the Dodgers this Sunday against the Washington Nationals. His return to the mound was brief in his previous outing, pitching only one inning and allowing one run on two hits. Despite this, the Dodgers secured a 6-3 win in that game, with hopes that Ohtani will regain full form as he recovers from injury. The recent events between the Dodgers and Padres, including Suarez’s suspension, set a tense backdrop as the season progresses, keeping fans and players alike on edge regarding future matchups.