World Series 2025: Ohtani's Warm-Up Call Explained as Yamamoto Crowned MVP

Game 7 of the 2025 World Series began with an unexpected twist as Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani received extra time to warm up on the mound. The moment drew immediate attention from fans and commentators who noticed umpires resetting the pitch clock before the first inning and again later in the third. Some viewers accused officials of giving the two-way star special treatment, while Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider questioned the fairness of the call.

Ohtani's Warm-Up Sparks Debate in Game 7

According to Yahoo Sports, MLB's pace-of-play rules explain that the between-innings timer starts when the pitcher leaves the dugout. Because Ohtani was on base at the end of the top half of the inning, the umpires were permitted to reset the clock to give him enough time to prepare. The rules also allow officials to provide extra warm-up time in unusual cases, such as when a pitcher finishes an at-bat or is involved in the previous offensive play.

The interpretation meant the umpires' decision was entirely within league regulations. Still, the call generated a lively debate online and in the stands. Many fans viewed the incident as an example of Ohtani's unique role in baseball, as very few players are both elite hitters and starting pitchers simultaneously.

Once play resumed, Ohtani's performance on the mound did not match the early anticipation. He allowed five hits, three earned runs and two walks in 2⅓ innings, striking out three before being replaced. His early struggles put the Dodgers under pressure, but the team's bullpen managed to keep the score close.

Yamamoto Shines as Dodgers Secure Back-to-Back Titles

The tension lasted deep into extra innings, with both teams trading scoring chances before the Dodgers finally broke through. Yoshinobu Yamamoto took over in relief and delivered an unforgettable performance, pitching 2⅔ scoreless innings to close out the game and seal a 5-4 victory in the 11th. His composure and precision under pressure earned him the World Series MVP title and widespread praise from across the baseball world.

After the final out, Ohtani spoke to reporters and expressed admiration for his teammate. He said, 'I have no idea how he pulled it off. I really believe he is the No. 1 pitcher in the whole world.' The statement, quoted by BolaVIP, quickly went viral among fans and analysts. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also lauded Yamamoto's extraordinary effort, calling his delivery flawless and his mental strength unmatched.

Yamamoto's consistency throughout the postseason was remarkable. He pitched two complete games earlier in the playoffs and returned for multiple long relief appearances, including his dominant outing in Game 7. The Blue Jays struggled to generate offence against him, and his control on the mound helped steady the Dodgers when the game was on the line.

The win marked a historic achievement for the Dodgers. It was their second consecutive championship, making them the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles. The last club to accomplish the feat was the New York Yankees, from 1998 to 2000. With two titles now secured, Los Angeles will enter the next season aiming to complete a rare three-peat and cement its place among baseball's greatest dynasties.

Ohtani's warm-up incident may have stirred some controversy, but MLB's explanation shows the umpires acted correctly. What began as a minor debate over timing eventually became a footnote to a much larger story. Yamamoto's dominance on the mound, combined with Ohtani's leadership and the Dodgers' resilience, delivered one of the most memorable World Series finales in recent years.

In the end, Game 7 provided a perfect mix of drama, skill, and history. The Dodgers' 5-4 victory in extra innings not only answered questions about Ohtani's unusual warm-up but also highlighted Yamamoto's emergence as one of baseball's brightest stars.