Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) is running again.
Last year, Ohtani injured his left shoulder while attempting to steal second base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees and underwent surgery. He had refrained from attempting steals due to injury concerns, but on the 30th, he stole a BASS for the first time this season during a home game against the Detroit Tigers held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Ohtani came to bat in his fourth at-bat with one out and no runners in the seventh inning and got on base with a walk. Ohtani successfully stole second base during Teoscar Hernández's at-bat and quickly scored on Freddie Freeman's double. Although Ohtani did not get an additional hit that day, he recorded two walks and two runs.
Japanese media also reported on Ohtani's season's first steal with significance. The Japanese sports media 'Sponichi Annex' noted, "Ohtani successfully stole a base for the first time after his left shoulder surgery during the home game against Detroit on the 30th."
The outlet reported, "With one out and no runners in the seventh, Ohtani came to bat and drew a walk against Kenta Maeda. He succeeded in stealing second base during Teoscar Hernández's at-bat and scored on Freddie Freeman's double."
Ohtani underwent surgery after injuring his left shoulder while attempting to steal second base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees last year. Ohtani, who achieved the first-ever 50 home runs and 50 steals in Major League Baseball last year, is looking to defend against injury recurrence by exploring methods since spring training as he resumes his dual role this season and aims for back-to-back home run championships.
According to 'Sponichi Annex,' Ohtani had refrained from stealing bases not only in spring training but also in practice games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers. He did not attempt a steal in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome on the 18th and 19th, nor in the home opener against the Detroit Tigers on the 27th.
Ohtani, who successfully stole a base for the first time after surgery, is expected to attempt more steals now that he has alleviated the burden of potential injury recurrence.
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