Is it necessary for the Padres to retaliate against Shohei Ohtani? A former MLB catcher shares his perspective.

The Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB)and the Padres had a major confrontation on June 20th due to a hit-by-pitch incident, leading to Padres closer Suarez being thrown out for targetingthe Dodgers'Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani with a pitch, and he was subsequently suspended for three games on June 21st. However, former MLB catcher Erik Kratz believes the Padres' actions were justified.

The Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers

was hit by a pitch from Dodgers rookie Jack Little in the ninth inning, sparking a bench-clearing incident. In the bottom of the ninth, Padres closer Suarez retaliated with a 99.8 mph (approximately 160.6 km/h) fastball aimed at Ohtani, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts deemed a retaliatory pitch.

However, former MLB catcher Kratz stated on a podcast that if he had to choose sides, he believes the Padres' actions were reasonable, saying, "The Padres have to protect their own players." He further noted that even if Roberts claims the Dodgers' pitcher wasn’t intentionally hitting batters, they shouldn’t send out a pitcher who lacks control.

“If you send out someone who can’t even throw strikes, you have to understand that your golden ticket, Shohei Ohtani, is going to get hit. If you don’t want that to happen, then either keep Ohtani out of the game or send out a pitcher who can control the ball,” Kratz stated.

Regarding the unwritten rules of baseball, Kratz said, “While they may be seen as the bad guys and may lead to more ejections, appearing as if they are retaliating or being tough, sometimes you just have to do this. It’s not even revenge; it’s a necessary tactic.”

Kratz also concluded the podcast by saying, “If your team's star player gets hit twice in a game, how do you stop the other team's actions? There’s really only one way.” Another guest on the show, former MLB star third baseman Todd Frazier, chimed in: “Just hit back.” Kratz then added, “Sorry, Shohei.”