Shohei Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to repair a labrum tear in his left shoulder, an injury he sustained during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26. The surgery, conducted by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, follows the Los Angeles Dodgers star’s heroic effort to continue playing despite the injury.
The Japanese two-way player injured his non-throwing shoulder while sliding into second base on a stolen base attempt, leading to a dislocation. Despite the injury, Ohtani returned to the field for the next three games, contributing to the Dodgers’ five-game victory over the Yankees and securing the championship.
While Ohtani’s performance in the World Series faltered post-injury, going just 1 for 11 at the plate with a walk, his presence electrified a lineup that had leaned heavily on his season-long stellar production. Throughout the regular season, the 30-year-old made history by becoming the first player to achieve at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in one season.
Ohtani joined the Dodgers last year with a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract. The impact of this surgery on his future pitching career remains uncertain, as he had also undergone surgery on his throwing elbow last offseason, sidelining him from pitching duties throughout 2024.
The Dodgers organization is optimistic that Ohtani will be ready for spring training, which begins in early February. This early start is in preparation for their participation in the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19.
