Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that the Toronto Blue Jays utilized intentional walks during an 18-inning World Series marathon specifically to fatigue Shohei Ohtani ahead of his Game 4 start. The revelation comes following a conversation between Roberts and Blue Jays manager John Schneider regarding the strategic depth of the championship series.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Roberts had long questioned whether the Blue Jays' decision-making in the marathon Game 3 was designed to wear down the two-way superstar. By forcing Ohtani to remain active on the basepaths and involved in the high-stress environment for the duration of the extra-inning contest, Toronto aimed to diminish his effectiveness as a starting pitcher the following day.
Schneider’s confirmation of this tactical "calculus" provides a unique insight into the psychological and physical warfare involved in a modern World Series matchup. The strategy highlights the specific challenges opponents face when game-planning for a player with Ohtani's unprecedented dual-threat capabilities. The Dodgers and Blue Jays have been locked in a high-intensity battle, where every substitution and intentional pass carries significant weight for subsequent games in the series.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
