The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a scare in Game 2 of the World Series when Shohei Ohtani injured his left shoulder while attempting to steal second base.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed after the Dodgers’ 4-2 win that Ohtani had a “little left shoulder subluxation” that was going to require an MRI on Sunday.
While specific details of the MRI results have not been made public, Roberts said that Ohtani is doing well and likely will be in the Dodgers lineup for Game 3 at Yankee Stadium.
There are concerns the injury could affect Ohtani at the plate, but Roberts is confident that won’t be the case. “I don’t see him being compromised,” Roberts said.
“It’s the left shoulder, which is the back shoulder. So I don’t see how that affects his hitting if he’s able to go. I really don’t.”
Ohtani has gone just 1-for-8 with one double, one walk and two strikeouts in two World Series games thus far. However, Roberts believes Ohtani can still turn things around even with the shoulder injury.
“That doesn’t concern me,” Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani can still be effective despite partially dislocating his shoulder.
“If he is able to play, willing to play, he’s going to play. Schmidt will know that Shohei’s in the box, so that means everything.”
Ohtani did not speak with reporters prior to leaving Dodger Stadium on Saturday, but Blake Williams of DodgerBlue.com did spot the 30-year-old walking through the hallway without wearing any sort of sling or support for his left shoulder.
Ohtani took some swings during the Dodgers’ workout at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night, which further indicated that he was ready to be in the lineup for Game 3.
Shohei Ohtani’s should injury similar to Cody Bellinger
The Dodgers have been a similar position before as Cody Bellinger dislocated his right shoulder while celebrating a key home run in Game 7 of the 2020 National League Championship Series.
He still managed to play in all six World Series games after that before undergoing offseason surgery. “Very similar,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s and Bellinger’s respective shoulder injuries.
“Just a different shoulder, where I would argue that the right shoulder is more compromising to the swing for a left-handed hitter than the left shoulder.”
Ohtani’s injury is believed to be less serious as it’s been implied the labrum in his left shoulder remained in good standing. Any damage to the ligament likely would’ve required surgery.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
