Shohei Ohtani ‘Progressing Well’ After Left Shoulder Surgery

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a scare in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series when Shohei Ohtani injured his left shoulder on a stolen base attempt.

Ohtani underwent an MRI the following day, which revealed a partial dislocation of the left shoulder. The two-way star was clearly limited by the injury as he went just 1-for-11 over the final three games against the New York Yankees.

After the Dodgers won the World Series, Ohtani underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear that was a byproduct of what the team initially deemed a left shoulder subluxation.

It has been nearly two months since the operation and Ohtani continues to make strides in his recovery. “He’s progressing well and continuing to check the boxes along the way,” general manager Brandon Gomes said.

“He’s in a good place and we’ll keep seeing where he’s at as we get closer to Spring Training.”

While Ohtani is improving by the day, he still has not advanced to facing pitching or doing any tee work. “He’s swinging, (but) he’s not hitting yet. Dry swings,” Gomes noted.

Gomes’ comments reiterate the Dodgers’ expectation that Ohtani will make a full recovery from shoulder surgery in time for the start of Spring Training in 2025.

Although Ohtani has resumed throwing as well, it’s unclear what impact the shoulder injury had on his throwing program overall. Ohtani had been progressing throughout the playoffs and is projected to return to the mound at some point during the 2025 season.

Shohei Ohtani voted 2024 Sporting News Male Athlete of the Year

After being named MLB Player of the Year by Sporting News in October, Shohei Ohtani was chosen as their Male Athlete of the Year as well.

Ohtani became the first MLB player to join the 50-50 club and hit an overall .310/.390/.646 in his inaugural season with the Dodgers.