Why the Blue Jays Are Avoiding Shohei Ohtani: A Strategic Move for the World Series

The Toronto Blue Jays have decided to change their strategy against Shohei Ohtani after his stunning performance in Game 3 of the World Series. Ohtani, known as one of baseball’s top players, really showcased his talent, hitting two doubles and two homers in just his first four at-bats. Following that game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider made a decisive statement: they won’t pitch to him anymore.

After the Dodgers won that intense 18-inning match 6–5, Schneider suggested that the best way to handle Ohtani is to avoid letting him hit. “He’s a great player,” Schneider said. When asked if they would intentionally walk him for the rest of the series, his answer was a firm “Yeah.”

In the gripping Game 3, which lasted six hours and 39 minutes, Ohtani managed to tie the game with a homer in the seventh inning. The Blue Jays were clearly trying to minimize his impact, walking him four times intentionally.

Ohtani’s performance was historic. He became the first player ever to reach base nine times in a postseason game, surpassing the previous record by three. He also made history by being the first in postseason play to hit multiple homers, doubles, and walks in the same game.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts applauded the Blue Jays’ choice, emphasizing Ohtani’s extraordinary status as a player. “That’s just the ultimate sign of respect,” he said. It’s not often you see teams completely avoid a player due to their skill.

However, this tactic carries risks. The Dodgers lineup is tough, featuring former MVPs like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Even after walking Ohtani, the Jays still have to face these formidable hitters. It was Freeman who ended Game 3 with a game-winning homer, underscoring how dangerous the Dodgers are, even without Ohtani’s direct involvement.

Schneider acknowledged the challenge: “It still stings if it’s Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman.”

Now, Ohtani is set to take the mound for the Dodgers in Game 4, his first World Series pitching appearance. His last outing was remarkable—six scoreless innings, ten strikeouts, and three homers in the NLCS clincher. The excitement around him is palpable, but will the Blue Jays manage to keep him in check this time?

As teams evolve their strategies in baseball, avoiding the best players is a high-risk, high-reward decision. Turning to analytics, some studies suggest that intentionally walking a star player can lead to significant shifts in game outcomes. But with a lineup as deep as the Dodgers, it remains to be seen if the Blue Jays can balance their tactics effectively.



Source link