Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani partially dislocated his left shoulder during the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees while attempting to steal second base. His availability for Game 3 in New York is uncertain. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani suffered a “left shoulder subluxation” and would undergo image testing either that night or the following day.
Despite Ohtani’s injury, the Dodgers secured a 4-2 win, taking a 2-0 lead in the World Series. Ohtani, a likely National League MVP, has struggled in the first two games of the series, going 1 for 8 at the plate and batting .260 with three home runs and 10 RBIs during his first postseason in the majors.
Yankees star Aaron Judge commented on the unfortunate timing of the injury, hoping for positive news. Ohtani had been one of the few Dodgers players to avoid significant injuries during the season, a year marked by numerous injuries, particularly among the team’s pitching staff. Other key players like Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Freddie Freeman also dealt with injuries, but the Dodgers still finished the regular season with the best record in the majors.
Betts expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed even if Ohtani misses time, praising the resilience of the roster throughout the season. Ohtani’s injury history includes significant issues, particularly with his right arm, which has required multiple surgeries. Though he hasn’t pitched this season, Ohtani made history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. He also previously had knee surgery in 2019 to correct a rare condition and missed the 2017 World Baseball Classic due to ankle surgery.
Freddie Freeman also shared optimism, emphasizing the team’s ability to support each other through injuriesinjuries.