The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2-0 lead over the New York Yankees in the World Series after a 4-2 win on Saturday night. However, their excitement was dampened by an injury to star player Shohei Ohtani, who hurt his left shoulder attempting a steal in the seventh inning.
Ohtani’s Impactful Season Hit by Injury
Ohtani, one of MLB’s biggest stars, has been crucial to the Dodgers’ success. Teammate Teoscar Hernandez said, “The whole stadium went silent,” capturing the mood after Ohtani’s injury. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained that Ohtani suffered a partial shoulder dislocation and will have an MRI on Sunday to assess the damage. His status for Game 3 remains uncertain.
A Big Night for Dodgers’ Japanese Stars
Both Ohtani and fellow Japanese player Yoshinobu Yamamoto, signed by the Dodgers in a high-profile offseason, made a big impact on Saturday. Yamamoto dominated on the mound, holding the Yankees to one hit and retiring 11 straight batters before being taken out in the seventh inning. His strong showing boosts the Dodgers’ confidence heading into the rest of the series.
Questionable Steal Attempt Leads to Injury
With the Dodgers up 4-1, Ohtani attempted to steal second base after a walk. Known for his agility, he slid awkwardly, injuring his shoulder as he braced himself on the ground. When asked, Roberts explained that Ohtani has freedom to make his own decisions on base-running, calling it “the right play.”
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
As they head to New York for Game 3, the Dodgers have momentum on their side, but Ohtani’s injury could change their strategy. His absence would be a significant setback, both for the team’s performance and MLB’s global audience. Despite this, Roberts remains hopeful that Ohtani will return to the lineup soon.
The Dodgers are now focused on adapting to whatever challenges come next, hoping to clinch the championship and end their long title drought.