Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar, suffered a left shoulder injury during Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. The injury occurred during an attempted steal of second base, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the series. Despite the injury, initial assessments have left the team optimistic about his recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Ohtani suffered a subluxation (partial dislocation) of his left shoulder.
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's condition.
- Ohtani is expected to undergo further testing but may play in Game 3.
Injury Details
During the seventh inning of Game 2, Ohtani attempted to steal second base but was tagged out by Yankees catcher Austin Wells. As he slid into the base, he landed awkwardly, resulting in a painful shoulder injury. He remained on the ground for several moments before being assisted off the field by the Dodgers' training staff.
Ohtani's injury was described as a subluxation, which is a minor dislocation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that initial strength and range-of-motion tests were encouraging, suggesting that the injury might not be as severe as initially feared.
Team Response
Following the game, Roberts indicated that the team was hopeful about Ohtani's recovery. He mentioned that Ohtani would undergo an MRI to assess the extent of the injury. The Dodgers, who won the game 4-2, now lead the series 2-0 as they prepare to head to Yankee Stadium for the next games.
Roberts emphasized the importance of Ohtani to the team, stating, "I'm expecting him to be in the lineup." The Dodgers have faced injuries to other key players this season, but Ohtani's presence is crucial for their World Series aspirations.
Ohtani's Season Performance
Ohtani has had a remarkable season, making history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His statistics for the year include:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .310 |
| Home Runs | 54 |
| RBIs | 130 |
| Stolen Bases | 59 |
His performance in the postseason has also been impressive, with three home runs and ten RBIs in 13 playoff games leading up to the World Series.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare for Game 3, the focus will be on Ohtani's recovery. He is expected to travel separately to New York after undergoing tests in Los Angeles. If he can tolerate the pain, he may take the field as the leadoff hitter for the Dodgers.
The baseball community is holding its breath as they await updates on Ohtani's condition. His ability to play could significantly impact the Dodgers' chances of securing the championship. The series continues with Game 3 on Monday, and fans are eager to see if Ohtani will be able to contribute to his team's success despite the injury.
Sources
- 'Encouraged' Dodgers say Ohtani has partially dislocated shoulder - ESPN, ESPN.
- Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers star has dislocated shoulder, USA Today.
- Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani suffers shoulder injury during Game 2 of the World Series, NBC News.
- Shohei Ohtani injury update: Dodgers reveal status for Game 3 of WS, USA Today.
- World Series: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani expected to play in Game 3 after shoulder injury - Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports.
