Shohei Ohtani has been the driving force behind much of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success this season, but even the brightest star isn’t immune to criticism. In Sunday’s tense 5-4 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, a critical baserunning misstep by Ohtani curtailed a potential rally and left Dodgers manager Dave Roberts openly frustrated.
The pivotal moment came in the sixth inning with the Dodgers clinging to a 3-2 lead. Already on second base, Ohtani attempted to steal third with two outs and Freddie Freeman at the plate. The gamble backfired as Ohtani was caught stealing, ending the inning and halting a rally that could have shifted momentum in Los Angeles’ favor.
“That was his decision, not a good baseball play,” Roberts said candidly after the game.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Draws Manager’s Criticism Despite Stellar Season
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Despite this, Ohtani’s overall contribution was significant. He finished 2-for-4, launching his 41st home run of the season, adding two walks and stealing a base earlier in the inning. Still, the Dodgers struggled with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-10 and stranding 16 runners on base.
Roberts voiced his broader frustration with the team’s inability to capitalize. “This is frustrating because I just felt there’s no way we should lose this game today. We had them on the ropes numerous times. And for us not to win is so frustrating.”
The Dodgers bullpen also faltered, surrendering back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning that flipped a 4-3 Dodgers lead into a 5-4 deficit. A ninth-inning solo homer by Ernie Clement sealed the defeat.
Ohtani, known for his unique combination of power and speed, has moderated his baserunning approach this year to protect his body. After his historic 50-home run, 50-stolen base campaign last season, he has been more selective with his steals, tallying 16 so far in 2025.
Roberts had earlier emphasized a cautious approach with Ohtani, especially with the added workload of pitching this season. “We will not see what we saw in the second half of last season,” Roberts said. “I think he is still being mindful of when he steals. I do like the way he is more cognizant of the his hand being down, to guard against (injuring) the shoulder.”
As the Dodgers prepare for their upcoming series against the Angels, the team’s hopes for October rest heavily on Ohtani’s continued excellence — both at the plate and on the mound. Yet, as Sunday’s game showed, even the best can be reminded that baseball remains a game of calculated risks, and every decision matters.