Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani called out by his manager Dave Roberts
The pressure is on for the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. As the club approaches the final 40+ games of their regular season, their top rival, the San Diego Padres, has climbed within two games of them for the lead in the National League West.
Los Angeles lost on Sunday, 5-4, in an effort to sweep the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers held the lead, but could not hold on late. Losing by one run hurts, but especially with the circumstances of the game.
Star Shohei Ohtani cost the Dodgers two runners on with two out in the fifth inning, as he elected to attempt to steal third without his manager Dave Roberts' blessing. He was out with Freddie Freeman at the plate.
MORE: Dodgers' Ohtani faces Angels' Trout in must-watch Anaheim showdown
Roberts was asked about it after the game, and had some blunt words for the media:
"That was his decision. Not a good baseball play."
To be fair to the MVP favorite, he has stolen 17 bases on the season, and that was just his fifth caught stealing on the season, but with a future Hall of Fame hitter at the plate, it may not have been his best choice.
Ohtani continues to mash for the Dodgers despite the bone-headed play. He is hitting .284, and tied with Kyle Schwarber at the top of the National League in home runs. Ohtani also has scored 111 runs, which is running away with the lead in all of Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers start a three-game series at the Angels on Monday, before a big weekend series against the Padres.
More MLB News:
St. Louis Cardinals climb to within 3.5 games of NL wildcard with Sunday win over Cubs
New York Baseball on epic collapse as dog days of August continue
Milwaukee Brewers refuse to lose, sweep New York Mets
Frustration boils over for Aaron Boone in New York Yankees loss
Jose Altuve clubs a milestone home run at Yankee Stadium
Shohei Ohtani joins exclusive club with blast on Saturday in win over Blue Jays
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