Overview
- Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run homer in Game 1, his fourth in two games, but the Dodgers lost 11–4 at Toronto’s Rogers Centre.
- Toronto fans booed Ohtani with chants of “We don’t need you!”, prompting reactions from Blue Jays players including George Springer and Ernie Clement, with pitcher Chris Bassitt cautioning, “Don’t poke the bear.”
- Ohtani’s NLCS Game 4 featured three home runs and 10 strikeouts in a 5–1 clincher over the Brewers, a rare two-way feat credited with propelling Los Angeles back to the World Series.
- Alex Rodriguez called Ohtani “the most recognized athlete in the world,” and ESPN’s Karl Ravech has said his global profile rivals or surpasses stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- MLB commissioner Rob Manfred praised Ohtani’s postseason and said owners have agreed in principle to pause the 2028 season for Olympic participation, though a final deal has not been reached.