SHOHEI Ohtani has undergone surgery on a torn labrum.
The Japanese superstar, 30, sustained the injury during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26.
Shohei Ohtani suffered a worrying injury during Game 2 of the World Series[/caption]
Ohtani, 30, took part in the World Series celebrations[/caption]
During the game Ohtani went down in a heap, clutching at his arm.
The incident occurred as Ohtani tried to steal second base in the seventh inning.
He missed the remainder of Game 2, but returned for the following three matchups with the New York Yankees – despite his shoulder injury.
Following the Dodgers’ 4-1 World Series triumph, Ohtani played a full part in the celebrations.
The Dodgers went on to confirm that their star man had undergone surgery on Tuesday.
“Shohei Ohtani today underwent successful arthroscopic surgery,” their statement began. “Performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, to repair a labrum tear that resulted from a left shoulder dislocation Oct. 26.
“He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.”
In the immediate aftermath of Ohtani’s injury, Yankees rival Aaron Judge admitted that it had been hard to see him go down.
“That was tough. You never like seeing the best player in the game get injured like that,” Judge said.
“Trying to steal a base like that there, and something like that happens.
“But hopefully it’s all good news. We’ll see what happens.”
Ohtani had managed to stay largely injury-free during the 2024 season prior to his shoulder issue, despite several of his teammates going down.
Mookie Betts had missed two months with a broken left hand.
While Max Muncy was sidelined for nearly half the season with a right oblique strain.
Five key MLB rule changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.
3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.
4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
Even in the World Series, Freddie Freeman had to manage a sprained right ankle.
Ohtani had modified his game during 2024 as he recovered from off-season surgery on his right elbow.
He did not pitch this year, following the operation also performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Prior to Ohtani’s shoulder injury, Dodgers staff members hoped that he could begin his throwing program earlier than usual during the off-season.
This would have been in order to adequately prepare him for a return to pitching duties next year.
It is not yet known how much Tuesday’s operation will change these plans.
