Tensions escalated late in Thursday night’s matchup between Los Angeles and San Diego, resulting in both clubs’ dugouts spilling onto the field following a heated exchange during the ninth frame on June 19.
The spark came when Dodgers rookie hurler Jack Little delivered a 93-mph heater that struck Fernando Tatis Jr. on the hand during his at-bat in the top half of the inning. This incident marked the fifth such occurrence over the past two seasons in which a Los Angeles pitcher has hit Tatis — including three within the last nine days, as detailed by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
Following the pitch, Padres manager Mike Shildt stormed out of his dugout, directing shouts at the opposing bench while moving toward his injured player, who was visibly in discomfort. His counterpart, Dave Roberts, exited the home dugout and confronted Shildt, shoving him in the chest while shouting.
Both benches emptied in response, although no punches were thrown. The umpiring crew ultimately ejected several participants, including both Roberts and Shildt.
The confrontation nearly reignited minutes later, when Shohei Ohtani was struck in the back by a pitch from Robert Suarez in the bottom half of the frame. Ohtani, however, diffused the moment by motioning for his teammates to remain calm. Suarez was then ejected by officials.
The fallout extended beyond the ballpark. Commentator Keith Olbermann posted a sharp critique on social media, suggesting a lengthy ban for Roberts.
“Dave Roberts should be suspended for a month,” Olbermann posted. “What a childish, amateurish, unprofessional job of making a bad situation exponentially worse.”
Online reaction was sharply divided, with some echoing Olbermann’s stance, while others criticized his remarks harshly. Despite the passionate public response, league officials had not yet announced disciplinary action for any individuals involved as of early Friday.