Outspoken former Phillies closer sticks his nose into MLB playoffs drama

No stranger to controversy, former Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is back in the news for his recent comments on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) about one of baseball’s biggest stars.

Outspoken former Phillies closer sticks his nose into MLB playoffs drama

Following the debacle that took place on Sunday between fans and players at Dodgers Stadium, Papelbon took to X to express his displeasure with San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado.

In a post, Papelbon said, “Everyone wants to act like Manny Machado is a leader and great for our game. Ehhh still don’t see it yet!!!”

His comments come after Machado threw a baseball at the dugout during Sunday’s game that looked to be intended for Dodgers coach Dave Roberts, who coached Machado in 2018 during his brief tenure with the club.

Phillies fans may remember that Machado was linked to the team ahead of the 2019 season before signing a then record 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres. The six-time All-Star met with the Phillies brass but the team ultimately signed Bryce Harper following Machado’s contract with San Diego.

Papelbon, the Phillies all time leader in saves, was a polarizing and controversial figure in Philadelphia. In four seasons with the club, Papelbon was a two-time All-Star and posted a record of 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA and 123 saves in 234 games. On the field, he provided the team with a reliable closer during a period of mediocrity.

Off the field, it was a completely different story. On Sept. 14, 2014, he made an obscene gesture toward the Citizens Bank Park home crowd and was subsequently ejected from the game and suspended for several games. In 2015, he had a heated exchange with sports commentator Howard Eskin and had to be restrained in the Phillies clubhouse.

His time with the Phillies came to an end during the 2015 season when he was traded to the Washington Nationals for Nick Pivetta. The controversy did not end for Papelbon with the change of scenery as he initiated an argument with and attacked Bryce Harper, then a member of the Nationals, following an at-bat. 

This is not the first time Papelbon and Machado have been entangled in controversy

In September 2015, just four days before the dugout incident with Harper, Papelbon intentionally hit Machado in the head with a pitch. This came just innings after Machado hit a go-ahead home run off of Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer.

Papelbon was ultimately suspended for this incident and the Harper fight which ultimately ended his season. He would go on to pitch 37 games in 2016, pitching to a career high 4.37 ERA and 19 saves before requesting his release in August. 

Fans came to the defense of Machado on the post, with one user pointing out that Machado learned to speak Korean to make Ha-Seong Kim feel welcomed when he came to San Diego. Another fan questioned Papelbon’s lack of leadership due to the aforementioned incidents that took place during his career.

Papelbon’s latest comments on Machado serve as a reminder of the polarizing nature of both players. The former Phillies closer's checkered history with on- and off-the-field altercations leaves his criticisms open to scrutiny and public debate.

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