Padres Face Seventh Consecutive Loss Amid Tatis Jr. Injury, MLB Suspensions

San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit multiple times by pitches during a tense series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a right-hand beaning on Thursday night and another near-miss on Friday, yet he avoided serious injury as imaging showed no fractures. The incidents triggered a benches-clearing altercation involving Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, both of whom received one-game suspensions and fines, with Shildt serving his suspension on Friday while bench coach Brian Esposito took over managerial duties. Padres closer Robert Suarez was ejected for hitting Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani with a 100-MPH fastball and was subsequently suspended for three games, a penalty he is appealing to remain available for upcoming games. The repeated targeting of Tatis, including three hit-by-pitches in seven games this season against the Dodgers, has heightened tensions between the teams, leading to multiple warnings and ejections. Despite the disciplinary actions and ongoing feud, Tatis remained in the Padres' lineup against the Kansas City Royals, demonstrating resilience amid the ongoing rivalry. The atmosphere around the Padres-Dodgers series remains charged, with both teams and officials closely monitoring conduct to prevent further escalation.