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Los Angeles Dodgers fans are surely still holding their breath after Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, but there was some reason for optimism in the aftermath of the team’s victory.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported Ohtani exited Dodger Stadium after the win over the New York Yankees without wearing a sleeve on his shoulder.
Manager Dave Roberts also said the team was “encouraged,” adding “I’m expecting him to be there. I’m expecting him to be in the lineup.”
Ohtani suffered the injury in the seventh inning when he was tagged out at second base on a steal attempt. He immediately grabbed at his arm and ended up exiting the game and going into the clubhouse.
Los Angeles still managed to hold onto a 4-2 win to seize a 2-0 series lead, but things shift to New York for Games 3, 4 and, if necessary, 5 starting Monday.
Whether Ohtani is available or not figures to make a significant difference in the way the rest of the series unfolds, and Roberts said results from initial strength and range-of-motion tests were positive even though he will undergo an MRI that will provide more clarity on Sunday.
Ohtani is well on his way to the third MVP of his career and slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers. Even though he didn’t pitch this season, he still made an incredible impact on the club and helped lead it to the World Series.
Los Angeles is now two wins away from the title and is surely hoping its superstar will be in the lineup for Monday’s Game 3 as it attempts to seize full control of the series.
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