"Manny Machado does shady stuff on field" - MLB insider explains why Bryce Harper escapes same scrutiny as Padres star despite past controversies

On Wednesday, MLB and San Diego Padres insiders Steven Woods, Ben Higgins and Paul Reindl, along with Bret Boone, discussed the controversy surrounding Manny Machado. He had an altercation with Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty in Game 2 of the NLDS on Sunday.

On "Ben and Woods," Boone talked about why Machado has a notoriety of sorts, while Bryce Harper doesn't even though the Phillies first baseman has had some heated incidents in the past.

"Manny's kinda been controversial his whole career," Boone said (Timestamp: 2:47.08) "I think he's a great player, but look at his history, he does some shady stuff on the field and always has.

"Whether you like it or not, the reputations of Bryce Harper among the players and Manny Machado is different," Boone added (Timestamp: 2:49.25). "If players get in a fight on the field, you're not going to lose respect. But if you do it in a dirty way, you're going to get a reputation. Without a doubt, Manny's a great player, but he's got that reputation."

Boone was a big leaguer for 13 years, representing the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Minnesota Twins. Boone, a three-time All-Star, won four Golden Glove awards and two Silver Slugger awards. He is the brother of current New York Yankees skipper Aaron Boone.

Manny Machado plays pantomime villain again as Padres take control of NLDS

The San Diego Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 in the third game of the NLDS at Petco Park on Tuesday. A six-run second inning rally, including another home run from Fernando Tatis Jr., was enough to secure victory. After losing the opening game of the series, the Padres have now turned the series on its head and lead 2-1 going into the fourth game on Wednesday.

Manny Machado was once again at the center of heated debate, as the third baseman appeared to change his running path in the second inning before the ball deflected off him and carried into the field, ensuring all runners were safe. The hosts went on to score six runs in the inning.

Dodgers fans, naturally, were of the opinion that it was intentional obstruction by Machado, and hence an illegal play. Former big leaguers Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Derek Jeter, however, praised Machado for his presence of mind to take advantage of the situation.

Whatever opinion one may have, Manny Machado has undoubtedly added an extra layer of drama to a high-stakes playoff series between two bitter rivals, making for enjoyable viewing from a neutral point of view. The fourth game of the series promises to be another entertaining affair as the Dodgers find themselves with their backs to the wall in enemy territory.