Suárez clarified that he did not intentionally hit Shohei Ohtani: "They can say whatever they want."

Major League Baseball (MLB) Los Angeles DodgersThe incident occurred on the 20th between the Dodgers and the Padres, leading to the announcement of penalties on the 21st, which included suspensions for both managers as well as Robert Suárez, who hit Ohtani. Suárez was suspended for three games. In an interview today, he clarified that he did not intend to hit Shohei Ohtani.

Suárez threw a pitch that hit Ohtani

In the top of the ninth inning yesterday, Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit on the right hand by Dodgers rookie Jack Little, causing both benches to clear. In the bottom of the ninth, Suárez threw a pitch at 99.8 mph (about 160.6 km/h) towards Shohei Ohtani and was ejected, an action that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts deemed intentional.

Before today's game, Suárez, through a translator, stated that he was only focused on closing the game and did not intend to hit anyone or allow runs. He was ultimately ejected, but fortunately, the team won. Regarding Roberts' accusation of intentionally hitting Ohtani, Suárez said, "They have their opinions, and they can say whatever they want, but that's not the truth."

Suárez further emphasized, "It was not intentional, but that decision is up to the umpires. I know both teams had already been warned, but clearly, in that situation, I had no intention of hitting him (Ohtani).”

Ohtani getting hit by a pitch

Suárez was also asked if he believed the Dodgers intentionally hit Tatis, to which he cleverly replied, "I think only they know that." Padres manager Mike Shildt, who received a one-game suspension, also revealed that Tatis' hand showed no signs of fractures or serious injury, allowing him to start as usual, saying, "I think the candle worked."

Padres star Manny Machado expressed his discontent for Tatis after the game, stating that the Dodgers better hope Tatis' check-up results are fine, saying, "They better make sure the candle is properly lit!"