Shohei Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to repair a labrum tear in his left shoulder, an injury the Los Angeles Dodgers star sustained during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26.
The Dodgers confirmed that the Japanese two-way player is expected to be ready for spring training in February.
Ohtani suffered the injury to his non-throwing shoulder while sliding into second base on a stolen base attempt, resulting in a shoulder dislocation. Despite the setback, he returned to play the next three games, aiding the Dodgers in their five-game victory over the Yankees to claim the championship.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team’s head physician, in Los Angeles.
Following the injury, Ohtani struggled offensively, going just 1 for 11 at the plate with a walk in the World Series. Nonetheless, his presence was a morale booster for a lineup that had heavily leaned on his performance all season. The 30-year-old had produced one of the most remarkable regular seasons in baseball history, becoming the first player to record at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
He had signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers last year.
Whether the surgery will impact Ohtani’s planned return as a pitcher in 2025 remains uncertain. The right-hander had undergone surgery on his throwing elbow last offseason, which sidelined him from pitching in 2024.
The Dodgers are set to open spring training in early February, slightly ahead of most other teams, as they are scheduled to participate in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19.
