Dodgers manager Dave Roberts drops Shohei Ohtani truth bomb amid warmup controversy

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts defended two-way star Shohei Ohtani after tensions flared during Wednesday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. Ohtani, who serves as both Los Angeles leadoff hitter and starting pitcher, took the mound for his second start of the 2026 season, but his extra warmup time between innings drew complaints from Toronto outfielder George Springer.

In his postgame remark, Roberts stressed that Ohtani’s dual role requires patience.

“Just talking about the World Series obviously, they [Blue Jays] were a little frustrated about how long Shohei takes in between innings,” said Roberts. “If he’s on the bases, there’s got to be some grace, which I think the umpires are trying to give him. If you are 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, he’s different.”

Dave Roberts said "there's got to be some grace" for Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player when asked about him getting extended time in between innings to warm up.

"The truth is, he's different."

(H/T: @HyeseongKimMuse) pic.twitter.com/RRGQGcyMHR

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) April 9, 2026

The Dodgers’ manager appeared visibly frustrated as Springer approached home plate umpire Dan Bellino to question the timing, shaking his head in the dugout. Ohtani’s unique workload includes switching between hitting and pitching within the same inning. After batting or being on base, he must remove his hitting gear, grab his pitching glove, and warm up, steps that typically extend his preparation time. Umpires have routinely allowed these accommodations to protect Ohtani from injury, a point former umpire Mark Carlson confirmed during the Fox broadcast.

Over 12 innings this season, Ohtani has pitched to a 0.00 ERA with eight strikeouts, a 0.75 WHIP, and a .119 batting average against. On offense, the four-time MVP has hit three home runs, driven in eight RBIs, and is slashing .286/.407/.524 with a .931 OPS. In Wednesday’s outing, he allowed four hits, one walk, and one unearned run over six innings.

Los Angeles fell 4-3, ending their first road trip of the season at 5-1. The matchup rekindled tension from last year’s Fall Classic, when Blue Jays manager John Schneider had previously protested Ohtani’s extended warmups during Game 7.

While Toronto remains in a six-game losing streak, Ohtani’s performance continues to underline why MLB accommodates the only player currently excelling at a two-way role.

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