Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Game 3 of the World Series after suffering an injury scare while attempting to steal second base two nights earlier.
Manager Dave Roberts revealed after Game 2 that Ohtani had a “little left shoulder subluxation,” which is a partial dislocation. Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani would still be his usual self at the plate.
However, the 30-year-old has gone just 1-for-7 with a walk and run scored in two games since injuring his shoulder.
“We’ve asked him many times over, and it’s not impeding. He doesn’t feel it,” Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani’s mechanics have been compromised.
“I just think it’s the chase. You see it. There’s some big at-bats that could result in a walk, and not taking the base and chasing, hasn’t been good.”
Ohtani has also been limited as a baserunner since the injury, which was evident when he held his shoulder while attempting to advance to second base in Game 4.
“I think it’s been fine so far,” Roberts said of Ohtani’s baserunning. “He actually slid tonight, so I don’t think that it’s been a problem. He’s not going to be stealing bases, I wouldn’t think, but I think it hasn’t been too much of a problem right now.”
While it’s clear that Ohtani has been hampered by the shoulder injury to some degree, his presence in the Dodgers lineup remains as important as ever.
Even at less than 100% health, opposing pitchers still need to be careful when Ohtani is in the batter’s box because he can change a game with one swing.
Shohei Ohtani unsure of potential shoulder surgery
Whether Ohtani will end up needing shoulder surgery is unknown at this point. The two-way star is hopeful to avoid it, but he will undergo additional testing and have more dialogue about his next steps after the World Series.
“I haven’t had further conversations about the future plan,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton.
“I think it’s something that’s going to happen after the season is over, do additional testing. But in terms of how I feel now, I don’t think so.”
