“Encouraged” Dodgers say Ohtani partially dislocated his shoulder

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder during an attempted steal of second base Saturday night, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the rest of this World Series.

However, the Los Angeles Dodgers are “encouraged,” manager Dave Roberts said after a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium gave his team a 2-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.

Initial strength and movement tests came back positive, Roberts added. Ohtani, whose injury is defined as a mild dislocation, was scheduled to undergo an MRI scan of his shoulder on Sunday.

The Dodgers boarded their flight to New York late Saturday night, but Ohtani is expected to undergo a physical in Los Angeles and then fly alone to New York to meet with the team afterwards. The Dodgers will play Games 3, 4 and possibly 5 at Yankee Stadium on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Asked if he believed the Dodgers would be able to handle the loss of Ohtani – considering how they overcame injuries to other key players, including Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and most recently Freddie Freeman – Roberts said : “I” I expect him to be there.

Ohtani, who hasn't missed a game this season due to injury, was taken out attempting a steal at second base in the bottom of the seventh inning and was slow to get up, rolling around on the ground and grabbing his left arm. When he was finally helped to his feet, Dodgers assistant athletic trainer Yosuke Nakajima held the superstar's left arm as the two disappeared into the clubhouse.

Ohtani did not speak to reporters after the game, although he left the game without wearing a sleeve over his shoulder.

“The whole stadium went quiet,” Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez said as he watched Ohtani go to the ground. “You know how important Shohei is to this team. Hopefully he’ll be fine and the day off tomorrow will help him get back on the field on Monday.”