Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series Rematch Sparks Tension Over Ohtani's Pitching Routine

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addresses Blue Jays' complaints about extra warm-up time granted to two-way star Shohei Ohtani.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented motion of a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with vibrant colors and sharp, overlapping planes representing the tensions surrounding Ohtani's special treatment.The unique pitching routine of baseball's two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani continues to be a point of contention between rival teams.Los Angeles Today

In a rematch of the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, tensions flared over the special pitching routine afforded to Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Blue Jays outfielder George Springer was seen discussing Ohtani's extra warm-up time with the home plate umpire, prompting a frustrated response from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Why it matters

The ongoing debate over Ohtani's unique two-way player status and the accommodations made for his pitching routine has been a point of contention between the two teams since their dramatic World Series matchup last year. This latest incident highlights the lingering tensions and competitive rivalry between the Dodgers and Blue Jays as they vie for supremacy in the sport.

The details

During Wednesday's game, Ohtani received his customary extra warm-up time between innings as the Dodgers' starting pitcher. Before one of those innings, Springer approached the home plate umpire to discuss how much additional time Ohtani would be granted, which prompted a frustrated response from Roberts. Roberts acknowledged that the Blue Jays had expressed frustration over Ohtani's routine during the World Series, but stated that the umpires are trying to give Ohtani "some grace" due to his unique status as a two-way player.

  • The Dodgers and Blue Jays met in the 2025 World Series, with the Dodgers winning the series 4 games to 3.
  • Wednesday's game was a rematch between the two teams.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

George Springer

An outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dan Bellino

The home plate umpire for Wednesday's game between the Dodgers and Blue Jays.

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What they’re saying

“You know what, just talking about the World Series, obviously, they were a little frustrated about how long Shohei takes in between innings. But if he's on the bases, there's got to be some grace, which I think the umpires are trying to give him. But yeah, if you're on the other side, you're trying to rush him as much as possible, and treat him like any other pitcher. But the truth is, is that he's different.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers and Blue Jays do not play each other again during the regular season, but a potential World Series rematch would likely reignite the tensions over Ohtani's pitching routine.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate over the special accommodations made for Shohei Ohtani's unique two-way player status continues to be a source of tension between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, two of the top teams in baseball. This latest incident highlights the competitive rivalry between the clubs and the challenges of balancing fairness and flexibility for exceptional players like Ohtani.