Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani assured fans that his dislocated left shoulder had little to no impact on his swing during Game 3 of the World Series. Reflecting on the injury, Ohtani explained how he managed to play through it effectively.
“If it had been my right shoulder, I think it would have been a different story for my swing,” Ohtani shared in the postgame interview. “Luckily, it was my left shoulder, so it didn’t really affect my swing that much.”
Ohtani sustained the injury during Game 2 while attempting to steal a base, an incident that raised concerns among fans and the Dodgers’ training staff. Ahead of Game 3, team trainers suggested that he wear a heating device on his shoulder to keep it warm and prevent stiffness.
The Dodgers’ staff monitored him closely, applying heat before the game and at intervals throughout to manage any lingering discomfort.
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“I wasn’t exactly sure what happened right when it occurred,” Ohtani admitted to reporters, according to SNY. “My main concern at that moment was whether I’d been called safe or out. Once I got back to the dugout, we checked it out and identified it as a dislocation. Thankfully, the pain has started to ease up, so I feel optimistic moving forward.”
Despite going hitless in three at-bats, Ohtani managed a walk, scored a run, and still delivered a powerful hit with an exit velocity of 103.9 mph, though it resulted in a groundout to second base.
He also struck out and popped out, contributing to the Dodgers’ 4-2 win.
With his unique ability to adjust to adversity, Ohtani remains a key player to watch as the series progresses.
