Shohei Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to address a labrum tear in his left shoulder. This injury, which occurred during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26, happened when Ohtani dislocated his nonthrowing shoulder while attempting to steal second base. Despite the injury, he continued to play through the pain, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a World Series championship by defeating the New York Yankees in five games. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers’ head physician, in Los Angeles.
The Dodgers are optimistic that Ohtani will be ready to return for spring training in February. Although he struggled offensively in the World Series, going just 1-for-11 at the plate with a walk, his leadership and presence were important to the Dodgers’ success. Ohtani played a key role in the team’s championship run, with his mere presence in the lineup serving as a motivator for his teammates despite his limited contributions at the plate.
Ohtani’s performance during the regular season was nothing short of historic. He became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, cementing his place as one of the most dynamic players in the game. His achievements earned him a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, underscoring his value to the team both on and off the field.
The shoulder surgery has raised concerns about Ohtani’s future as a pitcher. He had previously undergone surgery on his throwing elbow last offseason, which kept him off the mound for the 2024 season. Although he is expected to return as a hitter, the impact of the shoulder surgery on his pitching career remains uncertain. The Dodgers will closely monitor his recovery to determine whether he can resume his two-way playing role when he is eligible to return to pitching in 2025.
The Dodgers are scheduled to begin spring training in early February, a few days ahead of other teams, due to their participation in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs in mid-March. This gives Ohtani a little extra time to recover before the regular season begins. The team is hopeful that he will be fully healed and ready to contribute to their bid to defend their World Series title in 2024.
