From MVP to Mortal: Ohtani Opens Up About the Anxiety of Following in Bellinger’s Footsteps After a Championship Win

[사진] LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is replaced after complaining of left shoulder pain while stealing base in the 7th inning in Game 2 of the World Series. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

[사진] LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

[OSEN=이상학 기자] Shohei Otani (30, LA Dodgers), who showed his fighting spirit from injury in the World Series, underwent shoulder surgery. It is possible to join spring training next year as normal, but I feel anxious. This is because there is the case of MVP Cody Bellinger (29, Chicago Cubs), who fell after winning the World Series with the Dodgers four years ago.

The Dodgers announced on the 6th (Korean time) that Ohtani underwent arthroscopic surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Dr. Neil Elatrace performed the surgery in Los Angeles. Dr. Elatrace also performed Otani’s right elbow ligament joint surgery in September last year. The Dodgers are optimistic that Ohtani will be able to join in time for spring training next February.

Ohtani injured his left shoulder while attempting to steal second base in the 7th inning in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees held at Dodger Stadium on the 27th of last month. He got into second base with a bent leg slide, but hit his shoulder while touching the ground with his left hand. Ohtani, who was unable to stand up after being called out at second base, complained of pain while clutching his left arm and shoulder and was replaced.

It was revealed that he had a subluxation of his left shoulder, and the rest of his World Series appearance was uncertain, but Ohtani took only one day off on the move and played normally from Game 3 to Game 5 in New York. Due to a shoulder injury, he performed poorly in games 3 to 5 with 1 hit in 11 at bats, but the Dodgers defeated the Yankees 4 wins and 1 loss, earning him a World Series championship ring.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the win, “Ohtani played with one arm. Most players would probably have given up, but he played. “He didn’t refuse to be in the lineup,” he said. “When Ohtani comes out, he has a presence. “By playing with one arm, I gained more respect from my teammates,” he said, praising his fighting spirit against injuries. Although it was a happy ending with the win, Ohtani ended up on the operating table. Surgery has become unavoidable as a cost of fighting an injury, and there are concerns.

[사진] LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani attempts to steal second base in the 7th inning in Game 2 of the World Series. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

[사진] LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is complaining of left shoulder pain while attempting to steal base in the 7th inning in Game 2 of the World Series. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

The American ‘The Athletic’ reported, ‘Coach Roberts said there was no structural damage to Ohtani’s shoulder at the time of the initial injury. Ohtani said he would like to avoid surgery, but would consult with his doctor, and underwent arthroscopic surgery to resolve shoulder problems. It is still unclear what this surgery will mean for the fighter-fighting star’s near future. Throughout October, Ohtani underwent elbow ligament surgery and was building up his body to return as a pitcher, but he was not able to get to the point where he could stand up a batter and throw. He expressed concern, saying, “Although this surgery is on the opposite arm, it is unclear whether it will affect Ohtani’s return to pitching.”

The Athletic then recalled 2020 slugger outfielder Bellinger as a similar case in the past. Bellinger hit the final home run in the 7th inning with the score tied 3-3 in Game 7 of the 2020 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Atlanta Braves. Bellinger, who was greatly excited by the blow that occurred in a dramatic situation, entered the home game and celebrated by bumping his forearms with teammate Kike Hernández. However, Bellinger was hit so hard that he dislocated his right shoulder.

In that condition, Bellinger played all the way to the World Series and won a championship ring, but underwent surgery after the season. It was an arthroscopic shoulder surgery like Otani’s. After undergoing rehabilitation in the offseason, he played from the opening game in April 2021, but was unable to find his best form. Bellinger, who continued to slump until 2022, was released as a non-tender free agent and was effectively released from the Dodgers. He had a brilliant career, rising quickly to Rookie of the Year in 2017 and MVP in 2019, but took a sharp fall after injuring his shoulder.

[사진] LA Dodgers Cody Bellinger (right) celebrates with Kike Hernández after hitting a home run in the 7th inning in Game 7 of the 2020 NLCS. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

[사진] Cody Bellinger holding the trophy after winning the 2020 Dodgers World Series. ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)

Shoulder injury and surgery after winning. Otani is also in a similar situation to Bellinger, so he is not without anxiety. The Athletic reported, ‘Bellinger played in the World Series with a dislocated shoulder, and underwent surgery on November 18 of that year. He was included in the lineup for the opening game the following year, but had difficulties the following season and the season after that as he worked to find shoulder strength.’

However, The Athletic explained, ‘Unlike Ohtani, Bellinger injured the shoulder on the side that applies more force to the swing.’ While Ohtani injured his left shoulder, Bellinger injured his right shoulder. Left-handed hitters apply more force to their right shoulder when swinging. When hitting, the force transmitted forward is directed to the right shoulder. Because Ohtani is a left shoulder, he avoided the worst situation like Bellinger.

Meanwhile, Bellinger, who left the Dodgers, moved to the Cubs in 2023 and rebounded with a batting average of .377 (153 hits in 499 at-bats) in 130 games, 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an OPS of .881. After becoming a free agent, Bellinger re-signed with the Cubs for a three-year, $90 million contract with the option to opt out every year. However, in 130 games this year, he fell back again with a batting average of .266 (137 hits in 516 at-bats), 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs, and an OPS of .751. I hit it. Bellinger, who did not exercise his opt-out, will receive an annual salary of $27.5 million next year and become a free agent again with the Cubs. /waw@osen.co.kr

Lee Sang-hak (waw@osen.co.kr)