Watch: Dodgers burned by controversial Manny Machado maneuver

Manny Machado. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Watch: Dodgers burned by controversial Manny Machado baserunning play

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Oct 8, 2024 10:47 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers got a tough break Tuesday on a baserunning play by Manny Machado in the second inning of Game 3 of the NLDS.

The Dodgers were leading the Padres 1-0 in the game thanks to a home run from Mookie Betts in the top of the first inning. Then in the bottom of the second, Machado led off with a single. Jackson Merrill followed with a hard-hit grounder to first for a fielder’s choice. Freddie Freeman fielded the ball and tried to throw to second for the force out, but Freeman’s throw went off Machado and bounced into left field, allowing Machado to reach third base.

Manny Machado advances to third on a throwing error by Freddie Freeman pic.twitter.com/FEOpgsUIvm

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 9, 2024

David Peralta followed with a two-run double, Kyle Higashioka added another run with a sacrifice fly and then Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a two-run home run to put the Padres up 6-1.

It was a heads-up play by Machado, who took advantage of some loose rules that should be altered.

The rules say that a runner establishes his own path, which means that running onto the grass doesn’t mean Machado was out of the basepath. A runner would be out if they intentionally interfered with a throw. The issue is since Machado wasn’t facing the throw, an umpire could not 100 percent establish intent, even though Machado moved into the way of the fielder at second base.

The result is Machado was not only not declared out, but was able to advance an extra base while Freeman was charged with an error.

MLB should adjust its rules to account for plays like that.

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

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