Blue Jays' Intentional Walks Set Postseason Record Containing Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani has been a dominant force for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, setting a postseason record by reaching base nine times in Game 3, which ended in an 18-inning 6-5 walk-off loss for the Blue Jays. Despite the Blue Jays' strategy of intentionally walking Ohtani multiple times to limit his impact, including four consecutive intentional walks in Game 3, the approach ultimately failed as Dodgers' Freddie Freeman hit a historic walk-off home run in the 18th inning. The Blue Jays have struggled to contain Ohtani’s dual threat as both a hitter and pitcher, with Game 4 posing a significant challenge as they face him on the mound, where he remains an elite pitcher but with some bullpen vulnerabilities behind him. Blue Jays manager John Schneider has employed tactics such as using left-handed pitchers to counter Ohtani, but the star continues to perform at a transcendent level, forcing the Blue Jays to adapt continuously. Ohtani’s ability to excel offensively and on the mound makes him arguably the best player in baseball, compelling the Blue Jays to rely on pitching efficiency and limiting early runs, especially in their starter Shane Bieber’s outings. The ongoing duel highlights Ohtani’s rare skill set and the strategic complexities the Blue Jays face to overcome his impact in the World Series.