Shohei Ohtani Plays Through Shoulder Injury in World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani defied expectations by starting in Game 3 of the World Series despite suffering a partially dislocated shoulder in his team’s Game 2 victory over the New York Yankees.

After the Dodgers’ win, securing a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, Ohtani expressed confidence that he would avoid surgery. “I haven’t had further conversations about the future plan,” he said through an interpreter. “I think it’s something that’s going to happen after the season is over, do additional testing. But in terms of how I feel now, I don’t think so.”

Ohtani’s Injury Details

Ohtani’s injury occurred during a stolen base attempt in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 2. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder, a condition where the shoulder joint partially dislocates.

Ohtani’s participation in Game 3 came as a surprise to some, given the severity of the injury. However, Roberts assured reporters that tests revealed no structural damage to Ohtani’s shoulder.

“Once we make the decision that he can play,” Roberts said, addressing concerns about further injury, “I would assume that there isn’t a possibility [that he makes it worse].”

Despite the injury, Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers’ Game 3 victory, going 0 for 3 with a walk and a hit by pitch. He was visibly clutching his arm while running the bases after drawing a leadoff walk in the first inning.

Ohtani’s Historic Season

Ohtani’s performance in the World Series further solidifies his remarkable season. He is the favorite to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award after achieving a historic feat: becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit more than 50 home runs and steal more than 50 bases in the same season.

His impressive statistics include a .310 batting average, a .390 on-base percentage, a .646 slugging percentage, and a 190 OPS+. He also belted 54 home runs, drove in 130 runs, and stole 59 bases (on 63 attempts). His contributions to the Dodgers were estimated to be worth 9.2 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball-Reference.

While Ohtani is a right-handed pitcher, his left shoulder injury will not affect his pitching recovery, as he is not expected to pitch again until the start of the 2025 campaign.

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