LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani is currently undergoing rehabilitation following arthroscopic surgery to mend a labrum tear in his left shoulder. This procedure took place after the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory over the New York Yankees in the previous month.
Ohtani shared updates on his recovery journey from Los Angeles on Thursday, where he was celebrated for clinching his third Most Valuable Player award, his first with the Dodgers. “We’ve already removed the stitches,” he mentioned. “My focus right now is on regaining my range of motion. We began core exercises today, and we’re gradually increasing the intensity.”
The surgery occurred on November 5, just days after the team’s victory parade through downtown Los Angeles and a festive gathering with fans at Dodger Stadium. “We’ve been focused on rehab each day, which has kept me mostly resting in bed. We haven’t seized much opportunity to celebrate together as a family,” he expressed through a translator.
During this past season, Ohtani did not pitch as he was recovering from elbow surgery in September 2023. His shoulder injury was sustained while attempting to steal second base in Game 2 of the World Series. “My target is to be ready for opening day for both hitting and pitching. However, I want to be careful and not rush back too quickly,” he explained. “It’s essential that I prioritize my health first.”
Interestingly, Ohtani revealed that his most intense moments during the regular season didn’t stem from his own performances, but from concerns regarding his cherished dog, Decoy. “The most unnerving game was when Decoy threw the first pitch. I was incredibly nervous,” he recalled.
On that memorable August evening, just like his owner, Decoy executed perfectly, delivering the ball in his mouth to Ohtani, who was waiting at home plate. Following the pitch, Ohtani hit a home run leading off against Baltimore during his second bobblehead night. On Thursday, as Ohtani discussed his MVP recognition, Decoy made a short appearance on television beside him and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. Ohtani described the honor as “very humbling.”
This 30-year-old designated hitter made history by securing all 30 of the first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association, becoming the first player ever to win MVP honors unanimously three times. He previously won the award twice in the American League while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani noted the significance of his achievement, stating, “This will drive me even more to assist the team in winning next year. Our aim is to continue claiming the World Series title each season.” He also made headlines by being only the second player in MLB history to receive MVP awards in both leagues, joining Frank Robinson’s ranks, who won the NL MVP in 1961 and the AL MVP in 1966.
In addition, Ohtani may soon reunite with a familiar face in Major League Baseball. The esteemed pitcher Roki Sasaki is anticipated to sign with an MLB team by January. He and Ohtani were teammates during Japan’s triumph in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Ohtani clarified, “I haven’t actively recruited him. I see him as a friend, so we occasionally chat about baseball and life. I’ll support his decision, no matter where he chooses to play, and I am sure he will excel.”