Shohei Ohtani Draws Rare Criticism for Baserunning Gaffe in Dodgers Loss

criticism for baserunning gaffe

Nobody in baseball is free from criticism, not even Shohei Ohtani.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar got a bit overzealous on the basepaths in Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays when he attempted to steal third base but was thrown out to end the sixth inning.

The Dodgers led 3-2 at the time, but the Blue Jays scored twice in the eighth inning and once more in the ninth to win 5-4.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed frustration postgame with Ohtani’s baserunning.

“That was his decision,” Roberts told reporters. “Not a good baseball play.”

Dodgers Squander Numerous Chances to Win

Ohtani went 2-for-4 with his 41st home run and reached base four times, including a one-one single in the sixth off reliever Seranthony Dominguez. Ohtani stole second with two outs and tried to swipe third as well, but Tyler Heineman made a pinpoint throw to nail the three-time MVP and end the scoring threat with Freddie Freeman at the plate.

Missed chances became a theme for the Dodgers, who went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left a season-high 16 men on base, including six over the last two innings. Every starter reached base at least once.

According to David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports radio, the Dodgers hadn’t lost a game in which they recorded at least 10 hits and 10 walks since 1982.

“This is frustrating because I just felt there’s no way we should lose this game today,” Roberts said via the Los Angeles Times. “We had them on the ropes numerous times. And for us not to win is so frustrating.”

Ohtani has been a catalyst in the Dodgers’ success, slashing .284/.388/.620 for an OPS of 1.008, second in the majors behind Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. The Japanese sensation also has 77 RBI, 17 stolen bases and comfortably leads all players with 111 runs scored.

Additionally, Ohtani has contributed as a pitcher. He has a 2.37 ERA in eight abbreviated starts (19.0 innings) as he eases his way back to the mound following Tommy John surgery. That includes 25 strikeouts compared to five walks.

As such, Ohtani is a heavy favorite to take home his third straight MVP award, with BetMGM listing him at -3000 ahead of Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber (+1400).

Dodgers’ Lead in NL West Continues to Shrink

Sunday’s loss dropped the Dodgers to 10-11 since the All-Star break and narrowed their lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West to two games.

Over that same span, the Padres are 14-8, including 4-1 in their last five.

The Dodgers (68-50) head to Anaheim to begin a three-game series with the crosstown Angels on Monday before San Diego visits.

Douglas Bonjour is a breaking news contributor covering the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy. He is also a contributing writer for The Associated Press and has worked for Point Spreads, the Connecticut Post and Hearst Connecticut Media as a reporter and editor. More about Douglas Bonjour

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