The most notable moment from last MLB action occurred at Dodger Stadium, where tensions between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres erupted after a series of hit batters. Emotions boiled over when Fernando Tatis Jr. was plunked for the second time in three games, leading to the benches clearing. Shortly after, Padres pitcher Robert Suarez was ejected — and later suspended — for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani in retaliation. While the game between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels wasn’t as heated, tempers did flare when top star hit Zach Neto with a pitch, prompting both teams’ benches to clear.
This particular incident didn’t appear to be intentional, but Zach Neto was visibly upset regardless. Once his reasoning became clear, it was easy to understand why he reacted so strongly.
After getting hit, Neto exclaimed, “That’s twice,” referencing the fact that Hunter Brown had now plunked him in two separate games — once this season and once last year. Understandably, that history added to Neto’s frustration.
Brown, however, didn’t hold back in his response, reportedly snapping back with a blunt, expletive-laced remark: “Don’t stand on the f’n plate.” From his point of view, the hit-by-pitch wasn’t his fault.
In the end, this confrontation is likely to intensify the animosity between another Los Angeles team and the Astros.
Angels might hate the Astros as much as Dodgers after benches-clearing incident
Dodgers fans still haven’t forgiven the Astros for the 2017 sign-stealing scandal — and understandably so. Houston’s actions tainted what many believe should’ve been a championship for Los Angeles. While the Angels haven’t historically shared that level of animosity toward the Astros — despite being division rivals — Friday’s incident might be the spark that begins to change that dynamic.
Although the Angels are once again on track to finish below .500, Zach Neto remains one of the few bright spots for the fanbase. So seeing him take a 95 mph fastball to the body is the kind of moment that raises concern and frustration, especially when it comes from a pitcher with a history of hitting him.
Neto’s reaction is understandable. After all, this was the second time Hunter Brown had hit him — the first coming in a game last season. And while Brown was quick to defend himself with a sharp response (“Don’t stand on the f’n plate”), it’s easy to see both sides. From Brown’s perspective, Neto is crowding the zone. But from Neto’s point of view, he’s within his rights as a hitter — firmly planted inside the batter’s box and expecting professional-level command, especially from an ace-caliber arm like Brown’s.
The idea that intent doesn’t matter carries weight here. At a certain point, repeatedly missing inside — especially against the same hitter — raises eyebrows. If a pitcher struggles to locate inside consistently and safely, maybe it’s time to reconsider that strategy.
Yes, Neto crowds the plate. But he’s not breaking any rules, and stepping off the plate would only make him more vulnerable to being pitched away. Brown may not like how tight Neto stands, but it’s on the pitcher to adjust, not the batter.
No matter how you view the situation, one thing is clear: a rivalry may be quietly heating up in the AL West. With Brown and Neto both poised to remain with their respective teams for the foreseeable future, this might be just the beginning of an increasingly fiery matchup between the Astros and Angels.