As the Los Angeles Dodgers inch closer to capturing the World Series title, all eyes remain on Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic two-way player whose season has been nothing short of historic. With the Dodgers leading the series 3-0 after a decisive win in Game 3, their moment of glory seems imminent. Yet, for Ohtani, the spotlight isn't as much about the current championship quest as it is about his incredible achievements and an unexpected physical challenge.
Shohei Ohtani: A Season for the Ages
Ohtani has etched his name into the record books during the 2023 MLB season. Batting an impressive .310/.390/.646, he clocked an astounding 54 home runs and drove in 130 runs. His speed on the bases led him to steal 59 bases, making him the first MLB player to surpass 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. The Baseball-Reference statistic of 9.2 Wins Above Replacement underscores his value and influence on the field.
Amidst these unparalleled accomplishments, Ohtani also stands as a towering figure in the running for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. His dual capabilities as both a potent hitter and a right-handed pitcher remain subjects of awe and admiration, distinguishing him as a unique talent in the history of the game.
Playing Through Pain
Despite posting stellar performances, Ohtani's season hit a snag with a subluxation of his left shoulder, revealed by an MRI after Game 2. Diagnostic imaging confirmed no structural damage, yet this development cast a shadow over his availability and effectiveness in the series. In Game 3, Ohtani battled through, drawing a four-pitch walk and enduring a hit-by-pitch, albeit without recording a hit in his three at-bats.
Addressing his physical state, Ohtani conveyed through his interpreter, "I haven't had further conversations about the future plan. I think it's something that's going to happen after the season is over, do additional testing. But in terms of how I feel now, I don't think so."
The Manager's Confidence
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts has exuded confidence in Ohtani’s ability to play through the discomfort. Acknowledging the constraints of Ohtani's non-pitching shoulder injury, Roberts stated, "I don't see him being compromised." His optimism extends to belief that allowing Ohtani to play likely wouldn’t exacerbate the injury, as indicated in his remark, "Once we make the decision that he can play, I would assume that there isn't a possibility [that he makes it worse]."
Looking Ahead
Though Ohtani's injury presently affects his non-pitching shoulder, it bears significant implications for his future on the mound. The anticipation of not seeing him pitch until the beginning of the 2025 MLB season adds a layer of complexity to his recovery and future endeavors in baseball. As Ohtani navigates these challenges, he—as well as the Dodgers and their fans—hopes to avoid surgical intervention and preserve his extraordinary dual-role career.
While the Dodgers stand a win away from championship glory, the journey of Ohtani continues to captivate the baseball world. His blend of talent, determination, and resilience defines not just this series, but the transformative fabric of the modern game.