unbelievable deal: Dodgers Shohei Ohtani has surgery to repair labrum tear in shoulder after World Series injury;there’s a timeline for his return

Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Surgery for Labrum Tear in Shoulder After World Series Injury; Timeline for Return Revealed

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has undergone successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury he sustained during the World Series. The surgery, performed earlier this week, is expected to sideline Ohtani for a significant portion of the 2024 season, though a clear timeline for his return has been outlined by the team’s medical staff.

Ohtani, who had been playing through the injury during the postseason, experienced discomfort in his shoulder during the World Series, leading to concerns over his ability to continue contributing both as a hitter and pitcher. The labrum tear was confirmed after an MRI scan, prompting the decision for Ohtani to undergo surgery to address the issue. The procedure was described as “routine” by the Dodgers’ medical team, though the recovery process is expected to be lengthy.

Following the surgery, Ohtani’s doctors have outlined a recovery timeline that could keep him off the mound for most of the 2024 season. As for his batting duties, it is anticipated that Ohtani will be able to return to hitting earlier in the season, with a potential return to full-time DH duties by mid-summer. However, his ability to pitch again in 2024 remains uncertain, with most projections suggesting a return to the mound may be delayed until at least 2025, depending on his rehabilitation process.

Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain optimistic about Ohtani’s long-term health and his ability to contribute to the team moving forward. The injury does not appear to impact Ohtani’s free agency prospects, as the 29-year-old two-way phenom is set to be one of the most sought-after players on the market this offseason. Ohtani is expected to begin his rehab in the coming weeks, with his recovery closely monitored by the Dodgers’ medical staff.

For Ohtani, it’s a challenging moment in what has otherwise been a historic season, but his focus will now shift to recovering and preparing for the next chapter in his remarkable career.