Dodgers News: Braves Marcell Ozuna Claps Back at Will Smith Following Last Night’s Altercation

He took zero responsibility for smacking Will Smith on the side of the head with his bat.

The Dodgers beat the Braves 8-6 on Monday night in an impressive come-from-behind victory that saw them score eight of the game's final 10 runs.

While most of the drama happened while the Dodgers were at the plate, as they continuously chipped away from the Braves lead, the most intense moment came in the bottom of the fourth inning when Braves Marcell Ozuna was batting.

Ozuna hit a fly ball to left field for a routine out, however, his backswing clocked Dodgers catcher Will Smith on the side of the head.

The two exchanged words on the field immediately after, and following the game, Smith explained that this wasn't the first time Ozuna had done something like this and he has to clean up his swing. You can read more about that whole situation here.

Bullpens empty after Marcell Ozuna's backswing strikes Will Smith

"That's like the fifth time you've done it" pic.twitter.com/kt7hq31Sji

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 23, 2023

We officially have a new wrinkle in the story, and that's Ozuna's side of things.

Ozuna was asked about the play on Tuesday, and easily could have just apologized for obviously smacking Smith in the head with his bat, something he's done more than once.

Instead, he doubled down.

Ozuna said he didn't mean to hurt Smith, and suggested that the Dodgers catcher should just back up when he's up to the plate.

Marcell Ozuna told me he didn’t intend to hit Will Smith with his backswing. Ozuna said he’s never trying to hurt anyone. Ozuna said Smith told him to “clean it up” and that it was the fifth time Ozuna had hit Smith like that.

Ozuna suggested Smith back up when he hits.

— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 23, 2023

I'm going to try to be as polite as possible here, but are you kidding, Ozuna? You smack someone in the face with your bat multiple times — something no one else in the game of baseball has an issue with — and all you can say is that Smith should back up to not get hit?

I'm not saying Ozuna has to say he'll change his swing — even though this is all clearly on him — but he could have at least apologized for bashing Smith in the head, especially considering it's just a month after he missed over two weeks with a concussion.

Over on the MLB Network, they had a debate on the issue, and Jon Heyman and Brian Kenny agreed with me, while Ruben Amaro Jr. had a horrendous take on the issue. Take a listen for yourself:

Let's talk about the Marcell Ozuna-Will Smith situation...🤔#MLBNow | @JonHeyman | @RAJr_20 pic.twitter.com/nWq3OTlxn7

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) May 23, 2023

Obviously, Ozuna isn't going to change his swing. But I agree with Heyman and Kenny that the batter should be penalized for hitting the catcher with his backswing. There's no way Ozuna should be allowed to keep getting away with this.