Blue Jays Player Issues Apology to Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani

Story by

Oscar Martines

Wed, Apr 8, 2026 ·

2 min read

Toronto Blue Jays rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela apologized to Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani after an incident during a matchup between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays.

As Valenzuela attempted to pick off a runner at first base after an Ohtani strike, he accidentally threw the ball too low, striking Ohtani on the elbow. Ohtani was visibly frustrated and in some pain after getting hit.

Ohtani was checked on but luckily suffered no other injury. Although he was OK, his unhappiness towards the rookie catcher was noticeable.

Valenzuela later said in an interview with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet that he apologized to Ohtani after the incident.

"I said sorry to him. I don't know if he took it, but I said sorry," Valenzuela said.

The incident frustrated not only Ohtani but also many Dodgers fans. Some felt that Valenzuela wasn't sincere with his apology and purposely attempted to injure Ohtani, while Blue Jay fans claimed it was just an accident.

The rivalry between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays began in December 2023, when Toronto was a finalist to sign Ohtani in free agency. The next day, it announced he had agreed to terms on a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays.© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The tension between both clubs only got larger as they squared off in the 2025 World Series. The Dodgers prevailed in Game 7 at Rogers Centre, taking the series in front of the Toronto faithful.

For someone who wasn't even supposed to be on the MLB roster for the Blue Jays at the start of the season, Valenzuela wouldn't have expected to find himself in this sort of situation. Valenzuela was called up as a starter after star catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured his left thumb, forcing him to be moved to the injured list.

The Blue Jays have had a difficult start to the season with players such as Trey Yesavage , Max Scherzer , Cody Ponce and Addison Barger suffering injuries. The team has needed to rely on players like Valenzuela to fill the gaps as it attempts to defend its AL pennant.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.