Ohtani suffered a left shoulder subluxation while attempting to steal second base on Saturday night, raising doubts about his availability for the remainder of the World Series.
Despite this injury, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic following the team’s 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees, which gives the Dodgers a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Initial strength and range-of-motion tests for Ohtani returned positive results, and he is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his shoulder on Sunday.
After the game, Shohei Ohtani will have his examination in Los Angeles before flying to New York to join the Dodgers. The team is set to play Games 3, 4, and potentially 5 at Yankee Stadium on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
When asked about the team’s readiness to cope with Ohtani’s absence, Roberts stated he expects Ohtani to be in the lineup. Ohtani, who did not miss any games due to injury during the regular season, was tagged out on his steal attempt in the seventh inning and was slow to rise, clutching his left arm. He was assisted off the field by Dodgers athletic trainer Yosuke Nakajima.
Shohei Ohtani did not speak to the media after the game, leaving without wearing a shoulder sleeve. Teoscar Hernandez remarked on the atmosphere, saying, “The whole stadium went silent. You know how crucial Shohei is for this team. Hopefully, he’s alright, and the off-day will help him bounce back for Monday’s game.”
