Shohei Ohtani was in the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series. But he was not himself.
Two days after he suffered a partially dislocated shoulder sliding into second base, Ohtani batted leadoff in Game 4 at Yankee Stadium and went 0 for 3 with a walk.
More news: World Series News: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Injured in Game 2
Even at less than full strength, the presumptive National League Most Valuable Player was perhaps more effective as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter than any of his teammates might have been in the Dodgers’ 4-2 win. But the left shoulder subluxation clearly affected him.
“I taped myself up today, so it did feel different compared to when I don’t tape myself,” Ohtani said via his interpreter, Will Ireton, after the game.
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During pregame introductions, Ohtani was seen wearing a heating pad under his jersey draped around his left shoulder. Ohtani also said he wore the heating pad between his plate appearances, at the recommendation of team trainers.
Shohei Ohtani said during pregame introductions today he was wearing “a device that keeps my shoulder warm” recommended by the Dodgers’ trainers. Sounds like this indeed: https://t.co/XVzkwsE5hg
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 29, 2024
Ohtani also could be seen holding onto the top of his jersey collar with his left hand while running the bases. However painful or bothersome the injury was, Ohtani insisted it did not impact his swing.
“If it was my right shoulder it would have impacted my swing,” he said via his interpreter. “Thankfully it was my left so I don’t think it did.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers lies on the ground injured after attempting to steal second base as they play against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning during Game Two of the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ohtani addressed a question about whether he’ll need surgery.
Harry How/Getty Images
Ohtani was asked after the game whether he expected to need surgery after the season.
“I haven’t had further conversations about the future plan,” Ohtani said via his interpreter. “I think it’s something that’s going to happen after the season is over. Do additional testing. In terms of how I feel now, I don’t think so.”
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When Ohtani initially suffered the injury Saturday — he was caught stealing second base to end the seventh inning — the health of his shoulder was the farthest thing from his mind.
“I was really concerned whether I was safe or out,” Ohtani said, via Ireton. “It was only when I went back inside where we had to figure out what it was. The pain had subsided so I felt pretty good.”
Ohtani might not have to wait long for the offseason to arrive. The Dodgers hold a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and can clinch a championship as early as Tuesday.
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