“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 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, is expected to undergo an MRI scan of his shoulder on Sunday.

The Dodgers boarded their flight to New York late Saturday night, but it is unclear whether Ohtani joined them. Technically, he could undergo an MRI in LA and then fly out on his own to rejoin the team afterward.

Game 3 takes place on Monday at Yankee Stadium, which will host Game 4 on Tuesday and possibly Game 5 on Wednesday.

Asked if he believes the Dodgers are able to handle the loss of Ohtani – considering how they have overcome 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 the media after the game, although he went without a sleeve on 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.”