What MLB Says About Shohei Ohtani’s Warm-Up Controversy

Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is at the center of a discussion about a specific MLB rule regarding warmup pitches.

During the Dodgers’ 4-3 loss against the Blue Jays, at the top of the first inning, Toronto star George Springer was seen talking to the umpire as Shohei Ohtani warmed up to pitch his first frame.

The exact details of the conversation were not clear from the video. Still, Dave Roberts was seen shaking his head in frustration, and it seemed to be about how much time Ohtani was getting to warm up before facing the first hitter.

Ohtani, being the leadoff hitter in the order, was on base after drawing a walk to start the game. He ended up stranded, prompting a full pit stop as he took off his positional gear and put on his pitching glove.

Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Because Ohtani was left on base, the umpires made sure he had time to warm up and get ready to pitch, prompting Springer to ask about the exact nature of lienancy.

According to reporting from Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, Springer was not complaining about Ohtani’s warmup time, but rather simply wanted to know.

This was not the first time the Blue Jays had complained about Ohtani’s warm-up. They were frustrated during Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, as he had a similarly long preparation window.

Manager John Schneider was the person who made the complaint during the World Series, though this time it was Springer, someone who is already drawing the ire of Dodger fans for his involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

Dave Roberts defends Ohtani

Manager Dave Roberts was firmly behind Ohtani getting all of the time that he needed to get ready, especially when on base.

“Just talking about the World Series, I think they were a little frustrated about how long Shohei takes in between innings,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. “But if he’s on the bases, there’s got to be some grace, which the umpires are trying to give him.

“Yeah, if you’re on the other side, you’re trying to rush him as much as possible and treat him like any other pitcher. But the truth is that he’s different. But I understand their gripe.”

MLB rules are firmly on the side of Ohtani and the Dodgers as they clearly allow the umpire to give Ohtani as much discretion as possible.

MLB’s official terms

Click here to read the full MLB definition of the pitcher warmup rule

“When taking their position at the beginning of an inning or when relieving another pitcher, pitchers are permitted to throw as many warmup pitches as they want within the countdown parameters set forth by Major League Baseball,” the MLB rule says.

“The time between innings is 2 minutes for both local broadcasts and nationally televised games in the regular season and 2 minutes, 55 seconds for postseason games. The umpire’s signal for the final warmup pitch comes at the 25-second mark and the pitcher must throw it before the clock hits 20. The batter will be announced at the 20-second mark and the pitcher must begin his windup to throw the first pitch of the inning within the five seconds before the clock hits zero.

“The timing clock also applies to pitching changes and begins as soon as the relief pitcher crosses the warning track (or the foul line for on-field bullpens). Players can be excused from these time limits if a delay in normal warmup activities occurs due to no fault of the players, or the umpire believes a player would be at legitimate risk of injury without receiving additional time.

“For between-innings breaks, the timer begins when the final out of the inning is recorded, with several exceptions. If the pitcher is on base, on deck or at bat when the inning ends, the timer begins when the pitcher leaves the dugout for the mound. If the catcher is on base, on deck or at bat when the inning ends, the timer begins when the catcher enters the dugout (another catcher can begin warming up the pitcher). If the final out of the inning is subject to replay, the timer begins when the umpire signals the out.”