The tense confrontation between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night left immediate consequences. On Friday, Major League Baseball announced a three-game suspension for closer Robert Suarez, along with an undisclosed fine, after the pitcher hit Shohei Ohtani in the back of his right shoulder with a pitch. To experience the excitement of the Major Leagues on Friday Night Baseball, subscribe here. Suárez, who will appeal the suspension, will be available while the process is resolved. The incident occurred in the bottom of the ninth inning, just after tempers flared after a previous pitch that hit Fernando Tatis Jr.'s hand, allegedly intentionally, by Dodgers reliever Jack Little. Managers disciplined after on-field altercation The situation escalated when both managers, Mike Shildt of San Diego and Dave Roberts of Los Angeles, confronted each other in a heated argument that almost escalated. The result: both were ejected and subsequently suspended for one game, in addition to receiving fines.

“I support the decision,” Roberts said. “Last night, both managers protected our teams. Unfortunately, we became the center of attention, and that’s not how it should be.”

Shildt, for his part, defended his reaction at a press conference. “I don’t regret having stood up for a man I love like Tati, a team I love, and a city I love,” he said. Although he acknowledged that these types of situations should not be repeated, he justified his actions by the context and the history between both franchises.

With both managers out due to sanctions, Danny Lehmann was in charge of managing the Dodgers against the Nationals, while Brian Esposito took over the Padres against the Royals.

Ohtani remained calm, but sparked controversy

After being hit by the pitch, Shohei Ohtani maintained his composure and even calmed his teammates when it seemed that the benches would empty again. The three-time MVP approached the Padres dugout to speak briefly with the players, easing the tension at a key moment.

Robert Suarez assured that there was no intention of retaliation: “I never tried to get anyone in trouble or hit anyone… I was there to try to save the game.”

Despite the blow, Ohtani completed his bullpen session on Friday and, according to Roberts, is expected to make his second start with the Dodgers on Sunday.

Tatis Jr., meanwhile, was in San Diego’s lineup with no apparent problems. After the game, his teammate Manny Machado sent a tongue-in-cheek message to the Dodgers: “Pray that Tati is okay… light a candle.”