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Manny Machado Sends Stern Warning to Dodgers After Benches-Clearing Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 12:12 PM ET

The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have faced off seven times over the last 10 days, and while tensions have simmered throughout, tempers finally boiled over on Thursday night.

After six batters had already been hit during the series, Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. was drilled high and inside on the wrist by Dodgers rookie pitcher Jack Little, sending Tatis to the ground in visible pain. Padres manager Mike Shildt immediately stormed out of the dugout, visibly distraught, prompting both benches to clear.

Following several ejections—including both managers—the Padres held on for a 5–3 win to avoid a four-game sweep. After the game, Padres third baseman Manny Machado delivered a stern warning to the Dodgers, saying they better be “praying” that Tatis Jr.’s X-rays come back clean.

Let's just hope the CT scan comes back negative," Machado said. "[The Dodgers] gotta pray it comes back negative tomorrow. They better put out a candle."

Manny Machado says the Dodgers should "pray" that Fernando Tatis Jr.'s X-rays come back clean. pic.twitter.com/Nca4zL7GOI
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 20, 2025

Back in 2018, Manny Machado was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Dodgers, where he spent roughly half a season before ultimately losing in the World Series to the Boston Red Sox. He ended up signing with the Padres in the offseason after the Dodgers elected to not re-sign him.

On a more positive note for the Padres, X-rays on Fernando Tatis Jr. came back negative. However, he is still dealing with a left forearm contusion and is considered day-to-day as San Diego begins a homestand against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.

That said, Padres manager Mike Shildt offered a somewhat concerning update following the game. Despite the clean X-ray, Shildt admitted that Tatis Jr. is “not in a good place” and added that the team is still working with medical staff to fully assess the injury.

“The medical team said it’s in a tough spot where there are a lot of bones,” Shildt explained. More imaging is expected to be done on Friday.

It remains unclear whether Tatis Jr. will require a stint on the injured list, but the day-to-day status is at least a promising sign that a long-term absence may be avoided.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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