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Shohei Ohtani’s second World Series game didn’t end as planned, and the Dodgers are crossing their fingers that it’s not the last we’ll see of him this season.
During Game 2 on Saturday night, Ohtani had a rough slide into second base while attempting to steal. He landed awkwardly on his left arm, which forced him out of the game. Though the Yankees managed to tag him out to end the inning, the Dodgers, holding a solid lead, were more concerned about the injury than the out itself.
The Rangers are living proof that losing key players in the World Series doesn’t mean the end. Just last year, Texas lost Adolis Garcia and Max Scherzer to injury but still managed to pull off a series win against the Diamondbacks. Now, the Dodgers have the early advantage in this year’s Fall Classic and could be on track to take the title, with or without Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani’s Injury Update
Ohtani was visibly favoring his arm after the slide, and fans quickly noticed something was wrong. Fox Sports reported that it was his shoulder, not his wrist, that was causing him significant pain.
Shortly after, Japanese media reported that Ohtani told Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and his translator that he felt his shoulder “pop out” on the slide. Known in medical terms as a subluxation, this can happen when the joint partially dislocates.
As he lay on the ground for a few seconds after the play, Ohtani clutched his left arm, seeming to struggle before he finally got up with a trainer’s help and walked off the field. The once-lively Dodger Stadium crowd fell silent. With Los Angeles leading 4-1 thanks to back-to-back homers from Teoscar Hernandez and Freddie Freeman, Ohtani’s injury was a blow to the excitement — and energy — of the game.
After the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory, Roberts spoke to the media, calling it a “minor” shoulder subluxation but noted that Ohtani would need further tests. He shared some cautiously optimistic news, saying, “We’re encouraged.” Roberts sounded hopeful that Ohtani might be back in the lineup at some point during the World Series, though a specific return isn’t confirmed yet.
The Dodgers now hold a 2-0 lead as the series heads to Yankee Stadium, putting them in a strong position. Still, the big question of the night is Ohtani’s status for Game 3 on Monday — the next chapter of his thrilling postseason might just depend on the results of his upcoming tests.
