The 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have been battling a shoulder injury sustained in Game 2, so it was difficult to see likely National League MVP Shohei Ohtani perform in the regular season at the World Series. I couldn't do it.
The Dodgers explained what was going on with Ohtani, announcing on Tuesday that he underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left non-throwing shoulder.
The Dodgers added that Ohtani should be ready for spring training for the 2025 season.
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On October 26, 2024, in the bottom of the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees in Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was injured when he slid to second base. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Ohtani attempted to steal second base in Game 2, but was thrown out to end the inning as New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres applied the tag.
Even when Otani was called out to him, he did not stand up immediately and immediately hugged his shoulders. Replays showed Ohtani burying his left hand in the dirt to support his slide, and his shoulder popping out.
After the game, manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani still had strength in his shoulders, but there was obvious discomfort in the Japanese superstar when the series returned to New York.
Thanks to the performances of Ohtani and Yamamoto, the World Series averaged 12.9 million viewers in Japan.
Ohtani's swing looked crazy. When he got on base, he held down the collar of his jersey from the front with his left hand, minimizing his movements.
Ohtani put together a season in which he became the first in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases, but due to his injury he knew he had to play it safe when reaching base, so he never threatened the Yankees on base. I couldn't.
Injured Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers is helped off the field in the bottom of the seventh inning during Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on October 26, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Ohtani had two hits in 19 at-bats and one strikeout in five games.
However, Ohtani's poor performance was not the problem. World Series MVP Freddie Freeman exploded with four consecutive home runs, and the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in five games.
Despite the pain, Ohtani jumped for joy with his teammates after the final out at Yankee Stadium, gave a speech in English and saluted the Dodger Stadium crowd at last week's team parade.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates while running the bases after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Now, Dodgers fans will be hoping that Ohtani's recovery from surgery goes well. He was unable to pitch in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but is expected to be able to pitch next season.
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