2024 World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers go 2-0 up on New York Yankees but Shohei Ohtani suffers shoulder injury
Behind a pitching masterclass from their other Japanese star Yamamoto Yoshinobu, the Dodgers won Game 2 4-2. But Ohtani went down with a partial left-shoulder dislocation and will undergo tests before Game 3 in New York.
Baseball Softball
The Los Angeles Dodgers won Game 2 of the World Series, but suffered a worrying injury to Shohei Ohtani in the process.
Ohtani left in the seventh inning of baseball's biggest stage with a partial dislocation of his left shoulder on Saturday (27 October) as the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 4-2 to take a 2-0 series lead.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani, who is appearing in his first World Series, will undergo further testing ahead of Game 3 in New York on Monday before his status is determined.
“He had a little left shoulder subluxation so we’re going to get some tests at some point tonight, tomorrow and then we’ll know more in the next couple of days,” Roberts said in the post-game press conference. “But 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 so once we get the scans we’ll know more.”
Shohei Ohtani injury "very concerning"
The Dodgers are two wins away from an eighth World Series title thanks to a pitching masterclass from Ohtani’s Japanese compatriot Yamamoto Yoshinobu.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist contained the Yankees to just one hit - a solo home run to Juan Soto in the third inning - over six-plus innings.
But in the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the home team up 4-1, silence fell over Dodger Stadium as Ohtani was hurt trying to steal second base.
The expected National League MVP drew a walk to reach base for the first time this game but was caught stealing after getting a late jump. As he slid into the bag, Ohtani dragged his left arm, immediately calling for timeout as Roberts, interpreter Will Ireton and the trainer rushed out.
On the broadcast, Ohtani could be heard saying it was his shoulder. Asked if it popped out, he said “probably".
Wincing in pain, Ohtani exited the game with the help of the trainer who gingerly held his arm. He did not speak to reporters upon leaving the stadium.
Ohtani’s availability would have a major impact on the rest of the series with the next three games being played at Yankee Stadium. And Roberts admitted to being worried when the two-time American League MVP initially went down.
“The scene, very concerning,” he said. “When you get any one of your players going down it’s concerning. But after the range of motion, the strength tests, I felt much better about it."