Steve Webb
NOTE: THIS IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED EARIER TODAY
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Dodgers have a lot to celebrate after their 4-2 win over the Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series, but there’s also cause for concern as Shohei Ohtani’s availability for Game 3 remains uncertain. Ohtani, who partially dislocated his left shoulder while trying to steal second base in the seventh inning, left Dodger fans holding their breath. As he was tagged out by Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, Ohtani clutched his left arm and stayed on the ground for a few minutes before being helped off the field. Manager Dave Roberts provided an update after the game, offering some cautious optimism about the superstar’s condition.
“He had a little left shoulder subluxation,” Roberts shared after the game on Saturday. “The strength was great. The range of motion good. So we’re encouraged. But obviously, I can’t speculate because we don’t get the scans yet. Once we get the scans, we’ll know more. Again, with the strength and the range of motion being good, that’s certainly a positive.” With image testing scheduled for either Saturday night or Sunday, the team will have to wait a bit longer to know the full extent of the injury.
UPDATE: Indeed, it seems as if the Great Dodger in the Sky has heard the prayers of the faithful. Around noon on Sunday, ESPN’s Karl Ravech reported that indeed Shohei is planning to be in the lineup on Monday evening in the Bronx:
This injury was particularly tough to swallow given Ohtani’s durability throughout the season. He has been one of the few Dodgers to avoid significant time on the injured list this year. For a team that’s battled injuries to nearly every member of its starting rotation, as well as key position players, Ohtani’s steady presence has been invaluable.
Ohtani, widely regarded as the likely National League MVP, is batting .260 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his first postseason with the Dodgers. He went 0-for-3 with a walk in Game 2 and is 1-for-8 overall in the first two games of the series. Despite the limited production at the plate, his mere presence in the lineup creates challenges for opposing pitchers and opportunities for his teammates. Ohtani has made history this year, becoming the first player to hit at least 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge expressed his concern for Ohtani after the game. “That was tough. You never like seeing the best player in the game get injured like that,” Judge said. “Trying to steal a base like that there, and something like that happens. But hopefully it’s all good news. We’ll see what happens.”
Dodger fans were right to be worried about Ohtani’s status heading into Game 3, but there’s also room for hope. Even if Ohtani is unable to return at full strength (one has to assume there will be no more stolen base attempts), the team has faced adversity throughout the season, and players have consistently stepped up in the absence of key contributors. Mookie Betts, who missed nearly two months with a broken left hand, is confident in the team’s ability to continue pushing forward, no matter what happens with Ohtani. “We’ve got a great group of guys in here, and I believe we can take care of business for sure. I believe in us all,” Betts said after the game.
Freddie Freeman, who himself is playing through a badly sprained right ankle, echoed Betts’ sentiments. Freeman emphasized the resilience that has defined the Dodgers all year, saying, “When you have a group like this, they picked me up when I have been down. We’ll try to do the same for him.” The Dodgers’ next-man-up mentality has been tested time and again, and each time, they have shown they can handle the pressure.
It’s worth noting that most of Ohtani’s previous injuries have been related to pitching, including surgeries on his right elbow and left kneecap, so this left shoulder injury doesn’t appear to be tied to past issues. Roberts pointed out that if any shoulder were to be injured, the left is the “better” one for a left-handed hitter, given its lesser impact on a swing compared to the right shoulder.
The Dodgers’ victory in Game 2 gives them a 2-0 lead as the series shifts to New York. Their strong pitching, including a stellar start from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who shut down the Yankees over seven innings, has been a key factor in their success. Now, the focus shifts to Game 3, and the big question remains: will Ohtani be ready to take the field?
For now, Roberts and the Dodgers are optimistic about his prospects and prepared for whatever comes next. They’ve shown all season long that they’re capable of weathering storms and emerging stronger on the other side. While fans await further updates, there’s every reason to believe that this resilient squad will continue to find ways to win, with or without their superstar in the lineup.
The World Series is always a test of endurance and depth, and the Dodgers have consistently risen to the occasion. Should Ohtani be diminished in his return, there are plenty of bats in the lineup who can pick him up on his return. On to Yankee Stadium! Full speed ahead! (But no more stealing, please)
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