Manny, Tatis have heated dugout exchange

When cameras near the dugout caught images and sound of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. arguing loudly Saturday night in St. Louis, the perception outside the team emerged that infighting has infected the Padres as their quest for the postseason hits rocky ground.

The team pushed back on that narrative after their 3-2 loss to Cardinals cost them ground in the National League Wild Card race, saying Machado was showing leadership to a younger player.

The theme of the argument seemed to be that Machado thought Tatis was dwelling too long on being called out on strikes by umpire Phil Cuzzi in the fifth inning. Machado, in the videos, can be heard yelling, “You go play baseball!” and, “It’s not about you!” while he gestured in Tatis’ direction.

“It’s not viewed negatively,” Padres manager Jayce Tingler said. “I’m sure people on the outside think whatever they think, but we’re a family. We’re not going to discuss details, but we care. There’s passion, there’s frustration. Those things are natural, but it comes down to a group of men caring.”