Shohei Ohtani prompted frustration from the Blue Jays’ George Springer after the Dodgers star appeared to violate the two-minute rule. Cole Burston / Getty Images
April 9, 2026 10:34 am EDT
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday raised an objection with the umpiring crew over how long Shohei Ohtani takes between innings to get ready to pitch, resurrecting a complaint Toronto shared during the World Series last year.
The Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player led off the Blue Jays’ 4-3 victory with a walk and remained on base for the remainder of the first inning. Ohtani returned to the dugout and didn’t take the mound to warm up until less than a minute remained on the two-minute clock. When that time was extended, Blue Jays slugger George Springer appeared to approach home-plate umpire Dan Merzel to ask how much time Ohtani had left.
Some drama between the #BlueJays and #Dodgers.
George Springer approached HP umpire Dan Bellino to inquire about the amount of warmup time for Shohei Ohtani.
Dave Roberts was visibly annoyed in the dugout.
(📹: @sportsnet) #BlueJays50 pic.twitter.com/HwghO9tdnQ
— Daniele Franceschi (@Daniele_Media) April 8, 2026
The two-minute clock is subject to the umpire’s discretion, and Ohtani is usually given extra time — especially following a half-inning in which he participated offensively. It’s not uncommon for opposing managers to raise the issue during an Ohtani start, including in Toronto during last year’s World Series. The Game 7 broadcast showed Blue Jays manager John Schneider complaining to umpire Jordan Baker about how much time Ohtani was given.
“Just talking about the World Series, I think they were a little frustrated about how long Shohei takes in between innings,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “But if he’s on the bases, there’s got to be some grace, which the umpires are trying to give him.
“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 conceded he might have felt some fatigue and “didn’t feel that great” during Wednesday’s outing, but still completed six innings and allowed just an unearned run in the Dodgers’ loss.
Apr 9, 2026
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