Springer questions Ohtani's extended warm-up in Jays-Dodgers rematch
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani received extra time to warm up between innings during Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, prompting outfielder George Springer to speak with the home plate umpire. The exchange occurred after Ohtani had run the bases earlier in the contest, a scenario that grants him additional preparation time. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted the Blue Jays' frustration but defended the accommodation.
The practice dates to Ohtani's major league debut in 2018 and gained attention during Game 7 of the 2025 World Series between the same teams, when Blue Jays manager John Schneider addressed it with an umpire. Standard inning breaks last two minutes and 15 seconds in local broadcasts, with 30 extra seconds for national telecasts. Ohtani routinely exceeds this when transitioning from baserunning to pitching.
Ohtani posted an .896 OPS and 0.00 ERA early in the 2026 season, building on last year's 55 home runs and 2.87 ERA. He has won multiple Silver Slugger awards and remains in the Cy Young conversation as a two-way player.
Roberts acknowledged the opposing viewpoint after the April 8, 2026, matchup, stating umpires extend grace when Ohtani has been on base, recognizing his unique role despite competitive pressures to rush him.
