“It Is Working”: Top ‘First Time’ Shohei Ohtani Strategy Devised by Blue Jays Star Garners Mixed Reactions

The baseball world already knows of Shohei Ohtani. Only some know the man’s sheer versatility and ability on the diamond with the two-way star lighting up MLB since his debut in 2018. And while many know of the star’s capabilities, baseball is yet to adapt to the superstar. And yet, sometimes, the most challenging problems have the most accessible solutions.

When the Toronto Blue Jays took on the Los Angeles Angels at the Rogers Center on Sunday, Matt Chapman, the Blue Jays’ third baseman’s advice rang true for the Jays. With the Jays in a tight battle for the AL Wild Card Spot in a post-season bid, they wanted to ensure they won. But only one thing stood in their way.

Matt Chapman Confronts Jays’ Manager About Risky Move from Friday’s Game

Carrying over from their game on Friday, Chapman was seen speaking to the Jays’ manager, asking why they risked the hitter even getting a shot.

Chapman can be seen mouthing in the video, “Why are we pitching to him? He’s the only one in that lineup who can hit.” And the advice seemed to carry on even after the game. 

With the hitter coming onto a home plate on Sunday but being intentionally walked Ohtani 4 times. While the Jays pitched to the superstar in his first two at-bats, they weren’t risking a moonshot after Ohtani made contact for a single in his third at-bat.

Even the commentators got in on the action. “That’s an automatic walk right here, blame it on Matt Chapman am I right?” they added.

Fans React to Intentional Walks for Shohei Ohtani

The easiest answer to get a power hitter away from home plate is to get him out. The next best is to see him through to first. And that rang true for the Blue Jays, as they were simply trying to avoid any further damage in the game by reducing the opportunities for a ball to be deposited over the fence.

Read More:“I’m Ready to Go to War” – Notorious Blue Jays Pitcher Hits Beloved Shohei Ohtani Before Life-Threatening Blow on Another Angels Star

The fans, too, got in on the action. With some calling out the obvious ploy deployed by the Jays while acknowledging Chapman’s contribution.

And as Ohtani ramps up his pursuit of the Home Run King title for 2023, some fans drew a more stark comparison to his walks when placed against Aaron Judge’s record from 2022.

With Ohtani already heating the pace in pursuit of the Home Run King crown, do you think he can get there this season? Or do you think that Judge’s record is of such stratospheric proportions that no-one may get there for years?

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