The Los Angeles Dodgers have a 2-0 lead over the New York Yankees in the World Series, but the excitement of winning both games at Dodger Stadium was dampened after Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder.

Ohtani suffered the injury on a stolen base attempt in the seventh inning. He was thrown out and immediately showed an expression of pain and discomfort.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, trainer Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima and interpreter Will Ireton tended to Ohtani, who gingerly left the field while supporting his left shoulder.

Ohtani will undergo an MRI of his left shoulder on Sunday and therefore did not travel with the Dodgers on their chartered flight after Game 2, according to ESPN’s Alden González:

The Dodgers boarded their flight to New York late Saturday night, but Ohtani is expected to undergo his examination in Los Angeles and then fly alone to New York to meet with the team afterward.

While Roberts cautioned that the Dodgers wouldn’t have a full understanding of the extent of Ohtani’s injury until they undergo the MRI, he indicated there is initial optimism.

“The strength was great, the range of motion good. So we are encouraged,” Roberts said. “But of course I can’t speculate because we don’t have the scans yet. We’ll know more once we get the scans. Again, now that the strength and range of motion are good, that is definitely a positive.”

Roberts also said he was told Ohtani’s injury was a subluxation of the shoulder, not a complete dislocation.

Ohtani went 0-for-3 with one walk and one strikeout in the Dodgers’ win. His spot in the lineup did not become available again unless the Dodgers got at least three batters to reach in the bottom of the eighth inning.

“I hadn’t even thought that far,” Roberts said when asked if Ohtani would have been available to bat after suffering his shoulder injury. “I’m just glad we didn’t have to go to that place.”

Ohtani left Dodger Stadium without any sleeve or brace on his shoulder.

What Shohei Ohtani’s injury means for Dodgers

Given the initial results of manual testing and the fact that Ohtani’s injury was a subluxation, he may have to remain available for the World Series. However, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he isn’t in the lineup for Game 3.

If the Dodgers are without Ohtani as the World Series shifts to Yankee Stadium, Freddie Freeman could be a likely candidate to fill the designated hitter spot.

Should the Dodgers have to replace Ohtani on their roster, he would not be allowed to play again in 2024 due to MLB roster rules.

Are you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to use the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!