Sports doctors have started weighing in on Shohei Ohtani’s concerning shoulder injury, which occurred during Game 2 of the World Series. Late in the seventh inning on Saturday night, Ohtani attempted to steal second base, but as he slid, he appeared to injure his left arm, leaving fans and analysts alike worried.
Following the game, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported that Ohtani was indeed dealing with a shoulder issue, though specifics were still unclear.
Two prominent sports medicine experts shared their insights online, analyzing the likely extent of Ohtani’s injury based on game footage.
Former NFL physician Dr. David Chao offered his diagnosis via social media, pointing out the potential for a partial dislocation or subluxation. “By video, worry for left shoulder anterior/inferior subluxation/dislocation,” Chao tweeted, adding that further updates would likely depend on imaging results.
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Meanwhile, sports doctor Jesse Morse gave his own analysis, focusing on Ohtani’s movements and physical reaction during the play. “Apparent left upper extremity injury, likely shoulder, but he appears to be favoring his upper and lower arm,” Morse commented.
He noted that during Ohtani’s slide, his left arm trailed behind as he tried to stop himself from overrunning the base. According to Morse, this arm positioning could have led to a partial dislocation of the shoulder, known as a subluxation, especially if Ohtani’s body twisted to avoid the tag.
Morse added, “This type of motion is often associated with injuries to the labrum, specifically what’s known as a SLAP tear (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior), which can be painful and limit shoulder stability.”
While Ohtani’s injury doesn’t appear to be a severe dislocation, Morse anticipated that the Dodgers star would undergo X-rays to rule out fractures, followed by an MRI to assess soft tissue damage more accurately.
Both experts emphasized that imaging would clarify the injury’s severity, with Dr. Chao noting that at least Ohtani’s team has a 2-0 series lead, giving him a slight cushion if recovery is required.
Fans, however, remain anxious, hoping the star’s shoulder will allow him to continue contributing to the Dodgers’ playoff push as they head into Game 3.
