MLB star Shohei Ohtani was spotted wearing a sling on his injured shoulder before Monday's Game 3 victory against the Yankees, raising questions about his availability for World Series Game 4. However, Ohtani provided some hope during a post-game interview. Los Angeles Dodgers currently has a 3-0 lead against Yankees in the MLB World Series.
World Series Schedule:
Game 1: Dodgers 6-3 Yankees
Game 2: Dodgers 4-2 Yankees
Game 3: Yankees 2-4 Dodgers
Game 4: Tuesday, 29 October
Game 5: Wednesday, 30 October
Game 6: Friday, 1 November (if necessary)
Game 7: Saturday, 2 November (if necessary)
All games begin at 20:08 Eastern Time (early morning UK time),
When asked about the possibility of offseason surgery, Ohtani stated, "I haven't had further conversations about the future plan. 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."
Ohtani sustained his left shoulder injury while attempting to steal second base during the Dodgers' Game 2 win. Reflecting on the incident, he said, "I wasn't really exactly sure; I was concerned if I was safe or out; it was only when I went back inside where we had to figure out what [the injury] was. The pain has subsided, so I felt pretty good about it."
Following the injury, a social media account focused on Japanese baseball shared Ohtani's interactions with trainers and translators. "Shoulder," Ohtani reportedly said while lying on the infield. When asked which shoulder, he replied, "Left." He also indicated that he thought his arm had "popped out of his shoulder socket."
Ohtani's struggle with injury
The silver lining for fans eager to see Ohtani pitch next season is that the injury is to his non-throwing arm. Although he hasn’t pitched since his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, he has recently started throwing off a mound. In the current World Series, Ohtani has struggled at the plate, recording one double, two walks, and two runs over 13 plate appearances. He has also struck out three times, bringing his postseason total to 20 strikeouts, tying him with Aaron Judge.
While Ohtani has faced challenges, the Dodgers have been buoyed by Freddy Freeman, who has hit three home runs despite dealing with an ankle injury. His latest home run in Game 3 marked his fifth consecutive World Series game with a homer, and he could break George Springer's record if he hits another in Game 4.
As for the upcoming matchup, the Yankees are set to start Luis Gil, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has yet to announce his starting pitcher.
