The Los Angeles Dodgers won both the first and second games of the World Series. The team is close to winning the title with two consecutive wins at its home stadium, but Dodger Stadium is in shock. Shohei Ohtani’s injury prevented the team from enjoying its second consecutive win.
The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 4-2 in Game 2 of the 2024 Major League World Series (WS, best-of-seven) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the 27th (Korea time). Freddie Freeman’s first walk-off grand slam in WS history in Game 1 led to a 6-3 come-from-behind victory in the 10th inning of extra time, followed by two consecutive wins.
However, the Dodgers couldn’t laugh as much as it could. It was because of Ohtani’s injury. Ohtani, who was named the designated hitter at first, had no hit and one walk in three times at bat. He retired as a mistake in the first three times at bat in the seventh inning, but was out after trying to steal second base at the plate of Teoscar Hernandez after walking with one out. With the score tied at 4-1, three points, he tried to gain extra point but failed.
The bigger problem was his injury during the stolen base process. He entered the second base through sliding of the vent leg, but suffered from left shoulder pain due to impact while using his left hand to hit the ground. Ohtani, who sent an autograph while watching the umpire at the second base, collapsed next to the base and grasped his left arm and shoulder. All of sudden, the Dodgers players and spectators were surprised. Ohtani looked in pain when he was helped off the ground by his trainer. The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium sank in an instant.
“The atmosphere at the Dodgers’ clubhouse was not bright enough for the team that had two wins left,” said MLB.com . Attention was paid to Ohtani’s condition as he left the stadium due to a dislocated left shoulder. Ohtani left the ballpark right after the game, and no update on his injury was provided. He will undergo an MRI before flying to New York on Friday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ official press conference after the game was also asked about Ohtani’s condition rather than the details of the game. “He is in a state of dislocated left shoulder. We will have to conduct a test tonight or tomorrow to find out more,” Roberts said. “It is fortunate that he had good shoulder strength and range of motion. However, we cannot speculate as the test results have not been released yet.”
On Ohtani’s injury, Roberts said, “I think I dislocated my arm as I slipped on my left knee and pushed my right foot forward. Ohtani said so, too. It was a very worrisome scene. Of course, I am worried if any player collapses. I am somewhat relieved after completing the test of range of motion and muscle strength.” 스포츠토토
Some criticize Ohtani for getting hurt while trying to steal base in a big game. Roberts responded, “Ohtani is a green light. He stole a lot this year and is a smart runner. It was the right play to steal base on two outs,” and defended his possibility to play the rest of the World Series without Ohtani. He expects Ohtani to be included in the lineup. “For left-handed hitters, his left shoulder has less impact on hitting than his right side,” Roberts said.
His teammates were also saddened by Ohtani’s injury. Teoscar Hernandez said, “Not only the dugout, but the whole stadium became quiet. Everyone knows how important Ohtani is in our team. I hope his day off tomorrow (28th) will help Ohtani return. I have a lot of thoughts, but I believe he will come back with a positive mindset.”
Tommy Edman said, “It’s such a pity. It is no good feeling to see the best player fall down on the ground in pain. I don’t know how he is feeling, but I hope he recovers soon. I will pray for Otani.”
The exact condition can be determined only by the test results, but the Dodgers should assume the worst case scenario. MLB.com predicted that if Otani is absent, the Dodgers can hire Freddie Freeman as its designated hitter. Andy Pazr, who hit two home runs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, could have more chances to play in the game.
“We’ve been battling a lot of injuries all year,” Teoscar Hernandez said. “First the starters, then Mookie Betts and Freeman got hurt. I hope it’s not Ohtani this time,” he said. “I don’t feel great, but if Ohtani doesn’t make it to Game 3, we’ve got to keep doing what we’ve been doing for the last couple of weeks.”
Freeman, who is suffering from an ankle injury, said, “I don’t know how I will be in the next few days. However, other players covered me well when I was out. I have to do the same again this time.” Betts also said, “I don’t know how Otani is, but I have confidence in our team. They are a great group, and we will do what we have to do.”
The Dodgers will play Game 3 of the World Series at the Bronx Yankee Stadium in New York on Tuesday. The Dodgers moved to New York after Game 2, but Ohtani was not accompanying them. The Dodgers plans to move separately after undergoing a thorough examination in Los Angeles.
