Springer questions Ohtani warm-up time in Dodgers-Jays rematch
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer spoke with the home plate umpire while Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani warmed up during Wednesday's game at Rogers Centre. The exchange highlighted Ohtani's extended preparation period after reaching base earlier in the contest. Fox Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal said Springer inquired only about the remaining time.
The practice dates to Ohtani's major league debut from Japan in 2018 and gained notice during Game 7 of the 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays. Standard warm-up limits are 2 minutes, 15 seconds for local telecasts and 2:45 for national broadcasts. Umpires have granted Ohtani additional time when he runs the bases before returning to pitch, as occurred again on April 8, 2026.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the matter after the game. "Just talking about the World Series, I think 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 the umpires are trying to give him," Roberts said. "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 that he’s different. But I understand their gripe."
Ohtani entered the season with a .896 OPS and 0.00 ERA in early action. He hit 55 home runs with a 2.87 ERA in 2025 and remains in the Cy Young discussion while holding multiple Silver Slugger awards. His dual role makes him the favorite for a fifth MVP award in six seasons.
