LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani underwent successful arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair a labrum tear that resulted from a left (non-throwing) shoulder dislocation during Game 2 of the World Series on October 26. The surgery was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, according to the team.
He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
The Dodgers were dominating the Yankees in Game 2 when, in the seventh inning, Ohtani attempted to steal his first base of the postseason. Unfortunately, his attempt resulted in an out and a torn labrum. Ohtani left the game and did not return. Dave Roberts announced after the game that Ohtani had suffered a shoulder subluxation.
Despite the injury, Ohtani continued to play in the remaining three games.
Ohani is coming off a season where he became the first player in Major League history with at least 50 home runs (54) and 50 stolen bases (59). In addition to homers, Ohtani led the National League in on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (.646), OPS (1.036), total bases (411), runs (134), RBI (130), plate appearances (731) and wins above replacement.
While he did not pitch last season, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound next year. In 2023, his most recent season on the mound, Ohtani went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings (11.4 K/9) for the Los Angeles Angels. For his MLB career, Ohtani is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WIHP and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings (11.4 K/9).
Ohtani was caught four times stealing a base in the regular season. He fell short of stealing a base in the postseason due to a shoulder injury.
Ohtani had two hits in 19 at-bats, striking out once in each of the five games played. Ohtani was 1 for 11after his shoulder injury.
The Dodgers did not anticipate Ohtani recovering from surgery this winter, but there should be no setback regarding his return to the mound in 2025. The first Spring Training game will be on February 22 against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch.
Both teams are starting Spring Training early as they are set to play Opening Day of the 2025 season in Tokyo. This marks the second consecutive season that the Dodgers are kicking off internationally, having played in the Seoul Series.