George Springer Complaining About Warm-up Time Regarding Shohei Ohtani Sparks WILD Reactions Among Fans: “Loser Mentality”

Shohei Ohtani was on the mound and played as a two-way player during the series finale between the Blue Jays and Dodgers on Wednesday.

George Springer Complaining About Warm-up Time Regarding Shohei Ohtani Sparks WILD Reactions Among Fans: “Loser Mentality”

George Springer and Shohei Ohtani (Image via MLB/Bleacher Report)

On Wednesday, during the series finale between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, George Springer did not seem pleased with Shohei Ohtani. The former Houston Astros star was seen complaining to the official about the warm-up time the Japanese international takes.

Ohtani, the two-way star, was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers on Wednesday. After winning the first two games of the series, the LA-based side were hoping to complete a 3-game series sweep in the 2025 World Series rematch.

Due to him playing as both the pitcher and the hitter, Ohtani has to remove his batting gear and pick up the glove when he goes out to pitch. A player is usually given 90 seconds of warm-up time.

Ohtani seemingly took more than 90 seconds to prepare himself. Springer did not like this special treatment of the reigning National League MVP and would complain to home plate umpire Dan Bellino. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts seemed annoyed and shook his head from the dugout.

This was something that happened in Game 7 of the World Series as well. During the final game at Rogers Centre, the 31-year-old was awarded more time to warm-up as he was the starting pitcher in that game. Blue Jays’ John Schneider would point to his wrist and question the amount of time taken by him.

Ohtani would throw 6 innings and give up 1 run and 4 hits on Wednesday. When he left the game as a pitcher, the Dodgers were 2-1 up. They would then take a 3-1 lead at the top of the 7th inning.

The Blue Jays, however, rallied back. A double from Springer and a single from Daulton Varsho saw them tie the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Following a throwing error from Will Smith, Davis Schneider would come home from third base in the 8th inning to give the Blue Jays a 4-3 lead. The Canadian outfit held on to the lead this time and broke a 6-game losing run.

Social media reacts to George Springer complaining about Shohei Ohtani

George Springer clearly was not happy to see Shohei Ohtani get some additional time to warm-up during the game. The 4-time All-Star would have a word with the home plate umpire regarding this.

George Springer and Shohei Ohtani
George Springer and Shohei Ohtani (Image via ESPN/MLB)

Fans on social media blasted the 36-year-old for this. Users on X brought up the sign-stealing scandal of the Astros and slammed the Blue Jays star for it. One user wrote, “Loser Mentality“, while making their feelings known.

Check out that and some other reaction from X below:

With the win from this game, the Blue Jays avoided getting swept in back-to-back series. They will now take on the Minnesota Twins in a 3-game series before traveling to Milwaukee to face the red-hot Brewers.

Dave Roberts defends Shohei Ohtani’s warm-up time

George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays once again took exception to the additional warm-up time of Shohei Ohtani. Following the game, Dodgers’ Dave Roberts came to the defense of his two-way star.

Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani
Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani (Image via Dodger Blue)

While speaking with the reporters, the 53-year-old claimed that Ohtani needs to get some “grace” when he is on base and playing as a two-way player.

Talking about the World Series, they were frustrated about how long Shohei takes between innings, but if he’s on the bases, there’s got to be some grace, which I think the umpires are trying to give him. … But the truth is that he’s different.

Dave Roberts told the reporters regarding Shohei Ohtani

The 4-3 loss snapped a 5-game winning run of the Dodgers. With a 9-3 record after 4 series, the reigning champions will take on the Texas Rangers in their next encounter. Following a 3-game set with the Rangers, they will take on the New York Mets in a massive showdown.

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