The manager didn't like Ohtani's decision Sunday.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani called out by his manager Dave Roberts originally appeared on The Sporting News
The pressure is on for the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. As the club approaches the final 40+ games of their regular season, their top rival, the San Diego Padres, has climbed within two games of them for the lead in the National League West.
Los Angeles lost on Sunday, 5-4, in an effort to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers held the lead, but could not hold on late. Losing by one run hurts, but especially with the circumstances of the game.
Star Shohei Ohtani cost the Dodgers two runners on with two out in the fifth inning, as he elected to attempt to steal third without his manager Dave Roberts' blessing. He was out with Freddie Freeman at the plate.
MORE: Dodgers’ Ohtani faces Angels’ Trout in must-watch Anaheim showdown
Roberts was asked about it after the game, and had some blunt words for the media:
"That was his decision. Not a good baseball play."
Dave Roberts says that Shohei Ohtani trying to steal third on his own was "not a good baseball play." pic.twitter.com/tmYUAgJr1C
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 11, 2025
To be fair to the MVP favorite, he has stolen 17 bases on the season, and that was just his fifth caught stealing on the season, but with a future Hall of Fame hitter at the plate, it may not have been his best choice.
Ohtani continues to mash for the Dodgers despite the bone-headed play. He is hitting .284, and tied with Kyle Schwarber at the top of the National League in home runs. Ohtani also has scored 111 runs, which is running away with the lead in all of Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers start a three-game series at the Angels on Monday, before a big weekend series against the Padres.
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Category: Baseball
