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Padres' Green disheartened by Rizzo's 'cheap shot' in home-plate collision

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres manager Andy Green is not happy after a home-plate collision involving Anthony Rizzo forced catcher Austin Hedges to leave Monday's game.

"He's (Hedges) sore. Do we expect him to play tomorrow? I'm not sure how long he's out for," Green said, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Tribune.

"I think it's a cheap shot. I'm not saying he's a dirty player at all. No one is saying that. He clearly deviated from his path to hit our catcher and took our catcher out. The rule exists to protect him. It's a disheartening play."

Rizzo, meanwhile, refuted Green's claim, stating: "By no means do I think that was a dirty play," according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.

After a sixth-inning Rizzo triple, teammate Kris Bryant sent a line drive to center field that was caught by Matt Szczur, resulting in Rizzo tagging at third base. A play at the plate ensued, with the Chicago Cubs first baseman barreling into Hedges.

The 24-year-old catcher, who appeared a little worse for wear, was eventually replaced by backup Luis Torrens an inning later. The Cubs would win the game 3-2.

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