As the Fall Classic continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. World Series goes long in Game 3:
The Blue Jays fell to the Dodgers in heartbreaking fashion last night as Freddie Freeman hit a walk off homer in the 18th inning to end the game in a 6-5 with for Los Angeles. The game is now tied for the longest game in World Series history with the 18-inning affair in 2018 between the Red Sox and Dodgers, which also ended on a walk-off homer at Dodger Stadium. As the teams get ready for a pivotal Game 4 at 5pm local time this evening, the starting pitchers will be more important than ever after a game where both bullpens emptied the tank.
Shohei Ohtani (2.87 ERA) is set to take the mound for L.A. tonight for his first start since the ten-strikeout, three-homer game to clinch against the Brewers that has widely been called the greatest individual performance during a postseason game in MLB history. His opponent will be right-hander Shane Bieber (3.57 ERA), who surrendered four runs in 9 2/3 innings of work across two starts during the ALCS.
2. Jays, Springer await MRI results:
A shadow looming over last night’s game from Toronto’s perspective, even prior to the devastating loss, was the status of veteran slugger George Springer. One of the most impactful hitters in postseason history, Springer exited last night’s game due to what the team is currently describing as “right side discomfort.” The diagnosis immediately brings to mind concerns over an oblique injury, which would surely bring Springer’s season to an abrupt end if confirmed by an MRI. Springer had already gone for testing before the end of last night’s game, and we should know more about his status ahead of Game 4 later today. If Springer were to be sidelined, one silver lining would be that putting Bo Bichette at DH could allow the Jays to use him a bit more aggressively than they have so far by avoiding the toll taken by fielding.
3. Coaching staff changes around the game:
While the Dodgers and Blue Jays continue their fight for the commissioner’s trophy, other teams around the league are already in offseason mode. While much of the focus to this point has been on managerial searches and subsequent hirings, there have been a number of coaching moves made around the league as well. Just yesterday, the Mets brought in a new hitting coach while parting ways with their first base coach, and the Pirates hired their next pitching coach. There’s a number of other coaching vacancies around the league, but one team in particular to keep an eye on would be the Guardians after they lost associate manager Craig Albernaz to the Orioles when he took over their managerial gig and major league field coordinator Kai Correa when he departed to become the Mets’ next bench coach.
Ohtani is like a one man wrecking crew, he was really wasted in Anaheim. Thank god the baseball world got to see him in the playoffs finally. WOW ! GO DODGERS!
Wasted? While he was good to great when healthy. He was dealing with major injuries 5 of the 6 years he was there. If he had been on the Dodger, they would have traded or tried to restrict him to a 1 position player.
I think he meant wasted in the sense the Angels never truly were a threat to make the playoffs when he was there.
I interpreted his use of the word “wasted” to mean “wasted,” as in “what a waste.”
I interpreted as he used to be known as Ted, as in I “Was Ted.”
5 of 6 years? It seems he excelled as a pitcher and a hitter from ‘21-23’. So, maybe 3 of the 6 years he dealt with injury.
I did say he was good to great when healthy but you seem to be forgetting that 2023 is when he started having elbow problems for the 2nd time while with LAA which resulted in him not pitching in September and having TJS in the offseason.
Ohtani was not wasted in “Anaheim.” That is where he developed into the player he is today. Say what you want about the Angels, but they did right in his development letting him pitch and hit, which not all teams were willing to do. Also, he was not a great hitter right away, but the Halos stuck with him rather than send him to the minors, and went thru two years of him finding his way as a hitter.
For what it’s worth, Jays… the last time the Dodgers had a walk off HR in the 18th inning of the World Series they didn’t win another game…. So you got that going for you at least……
Dad? Is that you?
After a few beverages, Tyler Glasnow looks like Michael Myers.
Can you imagine if Michael Myers was as fragile as Glasnow? The movie would be 30 minutes long. Mike stubs his toe trying to break out of the insane asylum, crumples like a house of cards in the wind, and they lock him up again.
Let’s go Blue Jays!!! Mattingly needs a WS win. Don’t ruin this opportunity.
One win Guarantees the series goes back to “The True North Strong and Free!!!” Then all that needs to be said is……
GO JAYS GO!!!
FEAR THE TRUE NORTH!!!
Free because of the USA’s security blanket. You’re welcome
“Fragile” says the fan of the team with Mike Trout. I’m sorry about your owner and lack of October games. I can’t imagine how jealous most Angel fans are watching LA take their talented MVP and dominate the entire league. I feel for you guys
(this is the second time I have typed this)
I am a Red Sox fan. I have no horse in the race. The iPad thing was a joke from when Percival did the whole “old man yells at cloud” thing
Slightly puling for the Blue Jays now because of course it’s Dodger fans using an electron microscope looking for something to get mad at.
For the philosophical MLBTR people, I found a new way to re-phrase the tree falling in the forest question:
If I change my account name to “Ruben Rivera’s eBay Account” does that make me a Yankee fan?
Impressive. They only started selling 40s in California an hour ago. Walk Off Freddie has already started. Cheers
“He’s an angry drunk”
Said in the same tone Will Farrell used to say “He’s an angry elf”
WOW
(Walk-Off Wine. Now available at your local 7Eleven. Please drink responsibly)
Hey Freddie, I’ll be your huckleberry. I’m not the least bit jealous of the Dodgers getting into the playoffs or World Series these last few years. If anything I am surprised at how they have struggled against the Blue Jay’s with the lopsided amount of talent that they are carrying. This should have been a 4 and done. This Dodger team, even on it’s worst day should roll over their competition, regardless of who it is.
this is severely underselling the Blue Jays
@Rubies the Jay’s have a good team. The Dodgers have a great team. Compare the MVPs, Cy Youngs and just the overall talent. Take a step back and look at it without bias.
Tired schtick
He gets frustrated is a better take
Honestly, I think the Jays outplayed themselves and lost the game rather than the Dodgers actually won. They pulled a bunch of their regulars for bench players that eroded the overall strength of the lineup and made some bad decisions on the basepaths. They had so many opportunities and base runners and couldn’t score. They’re going to have to look themselves in the mirror and decide if they are interested in winning or not. The Dodgers offense didn’t seem like they were interested in winning.
John Schneider managed the later part of regulation play as though he was ahead. There was nothing to be done about Springer or Bichette as their subs were injury related. But there was no excuse for pulling Barger. Straw was a faster runner, but Barger is no slouch. His bat remaining in the lineup could have been the difference.
…as well as Kirk.
And no excuse for letting Ohtani hit his second HR. He should have received an intentional walk a la Barry Bonds.
@Walk Off Freddie
He was 2 for 7 last night. Where was the offense during the first 17 innings? Exactly…
“Where was the offense during the first 17 innings?”
The same can be said of the Jays. Spin it any way that you want, at the end of the night, it’s a win and the Dodgers are up 2 games to 1.
@Padres have zero WS
Yes, it’s a win for them but I think the Jays lost it with subs.
Blue Jays got a Dodgers starter out before 5 innings and still lost. They’re in trouble, with probably their shakiest pitcher starting today and Springer hurt. They had to win last night’s game.
“ The Dodgers offense didn’t seem like they were interested in winning.”
That statement wins this month’s stupidity award.
@Bivouac-Sal
Why? Because you don’t like it? LOL!
@Old
No because it is a moronic take. Blue Skies had the patience to explain it at some length. I don’t think your viewpoint deserves that much explanation. It is ridiculous on its face.
This is an epically silly take. Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities from the seventh on, but neither team could push a run across until the 18th. Both teams emptied their bullpens. Both managers played every card they held. Smith and Teo Hernandez drove flies right to the wall. Muncy hit one for the distance but just a few feet foul. They all looked plenty interested to me. Somebody was going to win eventually, because there are no ties in baseball.
Honestly, you seem to be watching an entirely different game than the one I watch. I don’t know what you call it, but it isn’t baseball.
@OldCork No, the Jays have never been interested in winning. They could care less really. I heard they are wondering what all the hubbub is about, and don’t understand why they still have to play ball games while everyone else is golfing in Cancun.
@Ignorant Son-of-a-b
Sorry to hear that your Mariners failed again. Maybe in another 50 years?
They got pretty close Yorky. They will have more chances before another 50 years go by. And if not, I hope I manage to live until 100.
Mariners are a good team had a very good season. They’ll be back in the mix if they can re-sign Naylor and maybe Suarez though I think Suarez will want to explore free agency to the fullest.
“The Dodgers only won because they played and managed better than the other team.”
Yep. That’s how it normally works.
Ohtani was on base all 9 times he went up to the plate last night. That’s incredibly impressive, but being involved throughout that game, you have to wonder whether that will have any impact on his performance tonight.
Shorter rest than normal and more activity than normal during the game prior to his start. It may not affect him at all, but something to keep an eye on.
loved the announcer casually dropping, “he’s 7 for his last 7 at dodger stadium including 5 home runs”
uh yeah
Could you imagine entering the 17th inning at precisely this moment without the pitch clock?
I know the between innings are longer for some extra commercials, but thanks so much for the lack of 45 seconds between pitches and limited mound visits.
Yes, pitch clock and limit on mound visits have revitalized the game a little. I still remember interminable Red Sox vs Yankees games when it seemed like Posada and Varitek would go out to the mound at least once per batter if the game was close in the late innings.
There’s plenty to criticize Manfred over, but credit where credit is due for those changes.
Schneider lost the series pitching to Ohtani in the 7th inning when they were up a run
Amen!
It’s easy to say that in hindsight.
I was screaming it at the TV before the HR.
Kids 40-50-60 years from now will be talking about Ohtani the way I talked about Babe Ruth when I was younger. And the Babe died 20 years before I was born.
So enthralling and fun to watch.
Dodgers bats went to bed after the Wild Card, and their sloppy defense at home continues. Need Ohtani to channel Yamamoto tonight….
I now know what true despair feels like.
What took you so long?
18 innings. Now watch Manfred tweak the rules to make sure this never happens again.
watch for ghost runner to magically appear after maybe 12 innings .
Epic game.
At points neither team deserved to win because of mistakes.
At points neither team deserved to lose because of heart and effort.
This game had just about everything. As a Dodgers fan I’m glad they won. But damn, I wish the Blue Jays didn’t have to lose for that to happen. Both teams gave everything.
Some where Nate E is smiling.. granted he gave up winning HR. But his long outing saved RedSox pitching for games 4-5… he’s the single reason they won in 2018…. Him, pluse,Piearce, Moreland, Jansen, JD, JBJ oh and can’t leave out my pal Brasier!!!!lol
If this was 2026 Toronto could’ve challenged a horrible call in the second inning which cost them a run and would’ve won in 9 innings. Ohtani tell the home plate ump he’ll give him a piece of the action?
Sheesh. If you watch an entire game (especially one that goes 18 innings) you will see any number of missed calls that could have impacted the game outcome. But of course the “horrible” calls are always the ones that don’t go your team’s way.
@BlueSkies I noticed something that is likely nothing but wanted to run by you …it seemed like teammates were rather subdued around Ohtani after his homerun celebrations…he gave a lot of guys just handshakes, with Teo the only one who really seemed excited for him and celebrated exuberantly with him. Also, during the game Ohtani was sitting off to one side in the dugout with either just his interpreter or Sasaki with him. Then at the end of the game celebrations where everyone was going nutso, Ohtani was jumping up and down exuberantly by himself and joined the team hug/huddle at the very end with nobody really high-fiving him or anything. Is there a disconnect between him & his teammates or am I just reading too much into it?
Not that I’ve ever noticed. I know he and Sasaki ran down to the bullpen to include Yamamoto in the celebration.
Yeah they hate him.
I know they don’t hate him, of course. I wasn’t intending to be flippant or antagonizing to your team, it was just some observations I had made over a spectacular 6.5 baseball game.
I know you know what we know . you know what know. I know you know I know. No?
CC Ryder,
At this point, you’re really terribly obsessed with Shohei Ohtani. Get soms therapy at least.
Kirk is a real one
What a snooze fest after 12 innings games should be decided by a home run derby
Say you didnt watch without saying you didnt watch. It was a high stress game that could have ended at any moment, and both teams fought like hell for that win.
Cracking game. Loved everything but the result. Hats off to last man standing Dodger pitcher. Mighty fine effort that. Good work, young man.
Is whyhayzee now Otto?
I see a lot of good takes on this thread on the play of both teams. Strong opinions to be sure. I can only state facts. Unfortunately for Jays fans they will have to really work on voiding the jinx Jr put on the team after they defeated those darn Yankees. It can be done it’s just going to take a combined effort from all their fan base (even little Cindy Lou Who) to counter that jinx. I wish you good luck and base baseball Gods speed.
Pitching to Ohtani in the 7th inning of that 18 inning game was one of the dumbest managerial decisions in World Series history..
Many Hall of Fame Managers have said you never let the opposing team’s best hittier beat you. You always intentionally walk him in that situation.
Some legendary managers would even walk in 1 run if your team had a lead of multiple runs with the opposing teams’s best hitter coming up. It was not the case in this game.
It was a one run game.
First base was open.
Blue Jays Manager John Schneider had a brain cramp there.
Intentionally walk Ohtani in the 7th inning and the Jays win that game
in a regulation 9 innings.
I knew that game was over and that the Dodgers would win as
soon as Blue Jays Manager Schneider decided to pitch to Ohtani in that situation and Ohtani tied the game with his home run in the 7th inning.
You cannot give a team like the Dodgers 18 innings of chances to beat you.
The Dodgers have too much depth on offense, defense and pitching for your team to win that kind of battle.
Eventually, the Dodgers will get that key, game winning hit if you give them too many extra innings.
I turned the game off in extra innings knowing the Dodgers would win it.