The Toronto Blue Jays have stumbled upon a potential game-changer to tamer Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom dominating the Los Angeles Dodgers. In Game 3 of the 2025 World Series, the Jays successfully employed an unorthodox strategy that involves intentionally walking Ohtani, a tactic they had used extensively against Aaron Judge earlier in the season.
By issuing nine walks to Ohtani this year, the Blue Jays managed to prolong their game with the Dodgers, buying themselves crucial innings. This approach proved effective against Ohtani's comparable hitting abilities as Judge, and it allowed them to stay competitive long into the night.
The Jays' plan worked for several innings, but ultimately fell short when Freddie Freeman stepped up in the 18th inning, delivering a walk-off home run that sealed the Dodgers' victory. However, the Blue Jays' use of this strategy raises an interesting question: would they dare to continue using it against Ohtani if it means prolonging their World Series hopes?
By issuing nine walks to Ohtani this year, the Blue Jays managed to prolong their game with the Dodgers, buying themselves crucial innings. This approach proved effective against Ohtani's comparable hitting abilities as Judge, and it allowed them to stay competitive long into the night.
The Jays' plan worked for several innings, but ultimately fell short when Freddie Freeman stepped up in the 18th inning, delivering a walk-off home run that sealed the Dodgers' victory. However, the Blue Jays' use of this strategy raises an interesting question: would they dare to continue using it against Ohtani if it means prolonging their World Series hopes?