The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a nightmare during Game 2 of the World Series when star Shohei Ohtani exited the matchup with an apparent injury.
The two-way star, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract in the offseason, was slow to recover after attempting to steal second base during the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
With the Dodgers leading the Yankees 4-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Ohtani took off from first base on an attempted steal.
He was eventually thrown out by Yankees catcher Austin Wells, ending the inning, but not before sliding awkwardly to second.
As players began clearing the field in preparation for the eighth inning, Ohtani remained on the ground clutching his left arm before calling for help.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani left World Series Game 2 with nightmarish injury
The Japanese player was slow to get to his feet after trying to steal second base.
The Dodger staff rushed to the diamond where the Japanese star was still lying near second base to tend to him.
Ohtani finally stood up and appeared to be holding onto his left arm as he was carried off the field.
The 30-year-old walked toward the dugout with Dodgers assistant athletic trainer Yosuke Nakajima cradling his arm before disappearing into the clubhouse.
An eerie silence fell over Dodger Stadium as Los Angeles fans stood stunned by the horror. Spectators were seen with their hands covering their faces.
The Fox broadcast later reported that it appeared Ohtani had suffered an injury to his left shoulder or wrist.
Ohtani came out from first base on a steal attempt before being tagged out by Austin Wells.
The two-way star took a while to get up before calling for help from the Dodgers dugout.
The Dodgers have a 2-0 series lead over their old foes after Freddie Freeman put them ahead with a grand slam in a dramatic opening thriller Friday night and the hosts held on in Game 2.
The Dodgers are just two games away from World Series glory after fending off a late New York rally to seal the victory on Saturday, as they head to the Bronx for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday.
However, the loss of his talisman comes as a blow, as the extent of Ohtani’s injury and potential absence remains unclear.
Ohtani, who produced the first-ever 50/50 season this season, is hitting .260/.403/.460 with three home runs but no stolen bases in 13 postseason games.
More to follow.
