Umpires Grant Shohei Ohtani Extra Warm-Up Time Before Bichette’s Home Run in 2025 World Series

The 2025 World Series featured a controversial moment involving superstar pitcher Shohei Ohtani during Game 7. Ohtani, a key player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had an unusual beginning to the game, which caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Ohtani’s Extra Warm-Up Time

In the first inning, after Ohtani batted and reached third base, he was delayed in returning to the mound. This led the umpires to reset the traditional three-minute warm-up clock. The decision allowed Ohtani additional time to prepare for his pitching duties.

The umpires also granted him extra warm-up time again in the third inning after he ended the previous frame with a flyout. This move sparked criticism, particularly from Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider and many Blue Jays fans, who viewed it as preferential treatment.

Pace-of-Play Rules

• The timer for between-inning breaks begins with the final out of the inning.
• If a pitcher is batting or on base when the inning ends, the timer starts when the pitcher leaves the dugout.
• Umpires may grant extra time in special circumstances, as per a rule change in 2023.

The reasoning behind this decision is tied to MLB’s pace-of-play regulations, which allow umpires discretion in specific contexts, such as if a pitcher needs more time after an active inning.

Ohtani’s Performance in Game 7

Despite the added warm-up time, Ohtani’s performance on the mound did not meet expectations. He faced significant challenges early in the game, needing to escape two jams in the first two innings. Unfortunately, the struggles continued when he allowed George Springer to reach base as the leadoff hitter in the third inning.

Ohtani then intentionally walked Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after a sacrifice bunt created an opportunity for the Blue Jays. Ultimately, he exited the game with a performance line that included:

This outing marked a notable moment for Ohtani, as it was his first significant start on a regular rest day during the postseason. Overall, the choice to provide him extra warm-up time has left fans and analysts debating the fairness and implications of such decisions during critical playoff games.