LOS ANGELES—The New York Yankees are at the brink of being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a World Series that hasn’t been as successful artistically.
The expected showdown between standout sluggers—Shohei Ohtani for the Dodgers and Aaron Judge for the Yankees—has been disappointing so far. The two projected league MVPs have a total of 2 hits in 23 at-bats in the series, with no home runs or RBIs.
Despite a partially dislocated left shoulder from an awkward slide while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning on Sunday in LA, Ohtani continues to play. He appeared hindered at the plate on Monday night, frequently adjusting his shoulder between pitches and displaying signs of pain as the Dodgers secured a 4-2 victory, taking a significant 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“He showed great competitiveness,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts regarding Ohtani, who is 1-for-11 in the series. “It seemed like there was no further aggravation. I truly value his presence tonight.”
Judge, on the other hand, has no justifiable excuse. He is enduring another underwhelming playoff performance, marking the second time in three years. In this World Series, he is 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts, going 0-for-3 with a walk on Monday night.
“I definitely need to step up my game. I have responsibilities,” expressed Judge to a group of reporters. “My teammates are fulfilling their roles, reaching base. I am letting them down, failing to support them. We must reverse this situation.”
Major League Baseball has achieved the desired matchup: Dodgers versus Yankees, featuring the sport’s two top superstars.
Television ratings have reached their highest point for a World Series in seven years. The first three games, two played over the weekend at Dodger Stadium and Monday night at Yankee Stadium, have all been completely filled with spectators.
However, with the Judge-Ohtani narrative losing steam, it’s become the Freddie Freeman show. Despite a high right ankle sprain, the first baseman smashed his third home run in as many nights, kickstarting the game in the first inning with a two-run homer after Clarke Schmidt walked Ohtani on four pitches, with Ohtani not even attempting a swing.
The Dodgers have the opportunity to clinch the series in Game 4 on Tuesday night by utilizing an opener and a bullpen strategy for the fourth time this postseason. Luis Gil will be the starting pitcher for the Yankees.
Ohtani had his arm in a sling as he entered the field for pregame introductions. Trainers instructed him to wear the device when inactive to maintain warmth in the shoulder. Roberts mentioned that Ohtani has been advised against sliding for the remainder of the series to prevent further harm.
He is evidently persevering at this stage, going 0-for-3, although he reached base twice, first with a walk in the first inning and then by being hit by a pitch. In the top of the ninth inning, when Mookie Betts hit into a double play, he avoided sliding into second base.
Roberts confirmed that subsequent tests supported the initial diagnosis of a shoulder subluxation. He mentioned that the trainers had to readjust the shoulder back into its socket after the injury occurred. He also noted that once a subluxation happens, there’s a tendency for it to recur.
“I believe that’s reasonable,” acknowledged Roberts.
This raises the issue of whether Ohtani will require surgery to address the injury post-season, potentially sidelining him for up to six months.
“I haven’t had detailed discussions about future plans,” stated Ohtani through an interpreter following the game. “That’s something to consider after the season concludes. Additional assessments will be conducted, but currently, I don’t see it as necessary.”
For the Yankees and Judge, time is running out. No team in World Series history has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit, and the Yankees don’t seem to be in a position to make history. They managed just five hits against six Dodger pitchers, with Alex Verdugo hitting a two-run homer in the ninth inning, following only two hits against the starter Walker Buehler, who pitched for five innings with 76 pitches.
This potential sweep would be the first since the San Francisco Giants defeated the Detroit Tigers in 2012, and it would mark only the third instance in 41 World Series appearances that the Yankees go home without a win.
The Dodgers, led by Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, achieved this in 1963, while Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine did the same in 1976.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his confidence in Judge, who is currently batting .140 with two home runs and six RBIs, all obtained in the five-game victory over Cleveland in the American League Championship Series.
“He will be prepared. He is Aaron Judge,” assured Boone. “He must continue working diligently, find his rhythm, and make solid connections.”
During the regular season, Judge batted .322 with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs. For the Yankees to survive, he needs to resemble that caliber of player. “It’s certainly frustrating,” Judge admitted. “I aim to contribute and support the team, but that’s why I need to maintain my efforts. I can’t dwell on self-pity. No one else is feeling sorry for me.”
Image Credit: shoheiohtani@Instagram
