Following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ thrilling World Series victory over the New York Yankees, star player Shohei Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injury sustained during the championship series. The Dodgers confirmed that Ohtani successfully completed arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder labrum, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. He is expected to be fully recovered and ready for spring training in 2025.

Ohtani injured his shoulder on October 26 while attempting a stolen base in Game 2 of the series, which the Dodgers won 4-2. Despite initial fears that he could be sidelined for the remainder of the World Series, Ohtani displayed his trademark resilience, choosing to play through the injury to help the Dodgers secure their title. Although he managed to stay on the field, the injury appeared to limit his performance. He recorded only two hits in 19 at-bats during the series, contributing two runs and tallying five strikeouts.

While his first postseason may not have matched his regular-season dominance, Ohtani’s efforts throughout the year were instrumental in getting the Dodgers to the postseason. His 2024 season was historic: he led the league with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, and a .310 batting average, propelling the Dodgers to the best record in baseball. Ohtani’s all-around performance cemented his status as one of the most impactful players in the league.

Ohtani’s 2025 season looks even more promising, as he plans to return to pitching after being sidelined from the mound this year following elbow surgery in the offseason. He made substantial progress in his recovery during the regular season, even resuming pitching practice in August. His last full pitching season in 2023 saw him achieve a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA, 167 strikeouts, and a 1.06 WHIP across 23 starts.

As the Dodgers celebrate their championship, Ohtani’s return to both batting and pitching could position him as an even more formidable force next season. His resilience and dedication to the team through injury highlight his critical role in the Dodgers’ championship success and his potential to lead them toward another title in 2025.