Why won't the Reds pitch around Shohei Ohtani?

The Reds manager, Terry Francona, has too much respect for the Dodgers' powerful lineup, including former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, to intentionally walk Ohtani.

How did Ohtani perform in Game 1 against the Reds?

Ohtani hit two home runs, including a screaming line drive and a 454-foot moon shot, to lead the Dodgers to a 10-5 victory over the Reds.

Home / Sports / Reds Refuse to Walk Dodgers' Sluggers, Ohtani Blasts Two Homers

Reds Refuse to Walk Dodgers' Sluggers, Ohtani Blasts Two Homers

Q: What is Francona's view on Ohtani's talent?

Francona called Ohtani a "generational player," but believes walking him would only invite more trouble from the Dodgers' lineup.

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Summary

Reds manager won't intentionally walk Ohtani due to Dodgers' powerful lineup
Ohtani hits two home runs in Dodgers' 10-5 Game 1 win over Reds
Ohtani struck out 3 times but also made the Reds pay with his power

Reds Refuse to Walk Dodgers' Sluggers, Ohtani Blasts Two Homers

As of October 2, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds are refusing to pitch around Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani in their wild-card series. Reds manager Terry Francona has too much respect for the Dodgers' lineup, which includes former league MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, to intentionally walk Ohtani.

In Game 1 on October 1, 2025, Ohtani proved why he is a dangerous hitter, blasting two home runs to lead the Dodgers to a 10-5 victory over the Reds. While Ohtani struck out three times, he also made the Reds pay with a screaming line drive over the right-field wall in the first inning and a 454-foot moon shot in the sixth.

Francona acknowledged Ohtani's talent, calling him a "generational player," but believes walking him would only invite more trouble from the Dodgers' powerful lineup. "You start walking people in that lineup, and you're asking for trouble," Francona said on October 2, 2025.

The Reds will have to find a way to contain Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers' offense as they look to even the series in Game 2 on October 3, 2025.

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