MLB
Shohei Ohtani may undergo surgery on his left shoulder
The Japanese superstar is dealing with a left shoulder injury he suffered in Game 2 of the Fall Classic at Dodger Stadium.
The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night in New York, seeing their lead cut down to 1-3.
Despite battling a shoulder injury sustained in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, Shohei Ohtani struggled at the plate in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, going hitless in three at-bats but managing to score a run.
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“I wasn’t sure at first,” Ohtani said after the game. “I was pretty worried about whether I was safe or out. But once I got back inside, we figured it out. The pain had subsided, so I felt pretty good about it. It did feel different compared to when I’m not wearing a bandage on my shoulder.”
‘I don’t know if he’ll need surgery’
When asked whether the injury, which affected his left shoulder, impacted his performance, Ohtani replied, “If it had been in my right shoulder, I think it would have affected my swing. Fortunately, it was in my left shoulder, so I don’t think it really did.”
Despite the injury, Ohtani will continue as the Dodgers' designated hitter for the remainder of the World Series. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, saying, “I don’t know if he’ll need surgery in the offseason. I hope it heals on its own and becomes a non-issue, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
As for Ohtani’s performance in Game 3, Roberts observed, “There were a couple of grimaces on swings at pitches that were far away. But it’s pointless to dwell on it.” Ohtani managed to feature in Game 4, held at Yankee Stadium.
The World Series continues in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 30 with Game 5’s first pitch scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET.