Report: MLB fines Manny Machado for running into Jesús Aguilar during NLCS Game 4
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Manny Machado didn’t escape from his collision with Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesús Aguilar unscathed. Machado was reportedly fined by Major League Baseball for his actions, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The amount of the fine has not been announced.
The incident occurred in the 10th inning of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Tuesday night. Machado hit a routine ground ball to short and was thrown out on his way to first. As Machado stepped on the base, his foot made contact with Aguilar’s leg.
Aguilar wasn’t happy about that. The two exchanged words, causing benches to clear. No punches were thrown. Machado would later reach base in the 13th inning. While at first, Machado and Aguilar appeared to make up, sharing a hug.
That wasn’t enough to satisfy some members of the Brewers. Outfielder Christian Yelich went off after the game, calling the play “dirty.” He also said a few other things. Brewers infielder Travis Shaw also said the play was dirty.
Aguilar declined to comment on Yelich’s statements after the game and urged everyone to move on.
Travis Shaw also called it a dirty play. Jesus Aguilar was more forgiving, saying that he and Machado talked. “Turn the page.” Declined to comment about Yelich’s criticism of Machado.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) October 17, 2018
After the game, Machado took issue with calling the play dirty, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports.
“You saw the replay, probably. I was trying to get over him and hit his foot. If that’s dirty, that’s dirty. I don’t know, call it what you want.”
It’s not the first time Machado’s intentions have been questioned during the series. He found himself at the center of controversy during Game 3 after he engaged in two aggressive slides. Machado’s effort was also called into question after he failed to run out a ball in Game 2.
The Dodgers’ 2-1 win in Game 4 evened the series, ensuring the Dodgers and Brewers will play at least two more games against each other. That’s two more opportunities for the fireworks to continue between Machado and the Brewers.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
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