Breaking: Shohei Ohtani’s Mysterious Lower-Body Ailment Raises Questions About His Return.NL
Shohei Ohtani made World Series history during his Game 3 onslaught vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. But the Los Angeles Dodgers supernova wasn’t left without battle scars.
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Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to get on base seven times in a single game. But after attempting to charge to second during extra innings in Monday’s marathon match, he was felled by what appears to be an inconspicuous ailment.
Here’s what you need to know.
MORE WORLD SERIES GAME 3:
Ohtani was effectively infallible on Monday night, collecting four extra-base hits — including two home runs — to power the Dodgers’ attack.
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He wasn’t indestructible, though; in the bottom of the ninth inning, Ohtani — stood on first after being intentionally walked — strode to second after Mookie Betts’ single leapt into the outfield.
As he approached the bag, Ohtani pulled up lame, grimacing before attempting to stretch out his leg.
Manager Dave Roberts and Los Angeles’ trainer went to check on Ohtani following the incident. After a brief examination, they returned to the dugout. Ohtani, meanwhile, stayed on second.
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Two innings later, Ohtani strode to first once more after being intentionally passed. He moved gingerly as he jogged up the basepaths.
Fox’s Tom Verducci reported that the Dodgers believed Ohtani was dealing with a cramp — unsurprising given how long the game wore on for.
He looked far more nimble when traversing the bases in the later innings and even jogged into the bullpen to celebrate with Yoshinobu Yamamoto following Freddie Freeman’s walk-off homer.
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Nevertheless, the ailment is a cause for concern. After all, Ohtani is slated to take the mound in less than 24 hours.
Roberts confirmed that Ohtani was dealing with cramps during his postgame presser. He’ll still pitch on Tuesday night, per Roberts.
