Shohei Ohtani made his presence felt in Game 4 of the World Series, but it was clear he was not quite himself. Just two days after partially dislocating his shoulder while sliding into second, Ohtani started the game at Yankee Stadium, going 0 for 3 with a walk.
More news: World Series Update: Dodgers’ Ohtani Injured in Game 2
Despite the injury, the likely National League MVP proved to be a key player for the Dodgers in their 4-2 victory as their leadoff hitter. However, it was evident that the shoulder issue impacted his performance.
“I taped myself up today, so it did feel different compared to when I don’t tape myself,” Ohtani noted after the game, using his interpreter Will Ireton.
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Prior to the game, Ohtani was spotted with a heating pad wrapped around his left shoulder, something the team’s trainers suggested. He even kept it on between his at-bats.
Ohtani mentioned he was wearing “a device that keeps my shoulder warm,” as recommended by the Dodgers’ trainers. Sounds useful! https://t.co/XVzkwsE5hg
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) October 29, 2024
As he ran the bases, Ohtani was seen grasping his jersey collar with his left hand. He maintained that the injury did not interfere with his swing: “If it was my right shoulder, it would have impacted my swing. Thankfully, it was my left, so I don’t think it did.”
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When asked about potential surgery after the season, Ohtani said, “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. In terms of how I feel now, I don’t think so.”
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The injury initially threw Ohtani for a loop during Saturday’s game as he was more focused on whether he was safe or out when caught stealing. “It was only when I went back inside that we had to figure out what it was. The pain had subsided, so I felt pretty good,” he explained.
With the Dodgers leading the series 3-0, Ohtani’s offseason may arrive sooner than expected, with a chance to clinch the championship as early as Tuesday.