Shohei Ohtani was in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for Game 3 of the World Series Monday against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., despite his shoulder injury. But some were wondering what was under Ohtani’s jacket during pregame introductions.
When Ohtani was introduced, FOX’s TV cameras showed the designated hitter with some black band that appeared to be wrapped around his shoulder.
Ohtani appears to be wearing a sling as he is introduced at Yankee Stadium before Game 3. pic.twitter.com/6ebDgGQ2qe
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2024
It’s unclear exactly what was under Ohtani’s jacket. Many people called it a sling, but it looked to be more of a stabilizing device to help keep Ohtani’s arm in place to prevent re-injury. It may have also been a device that helps players keep their arms warm and massaged.
Definitely could be a sling. But also could be one of those venom shoulder heat/massage things that you see pitchers use inbetween innings sometimes pic.twitter.com/0s2zuaiGsI
— Jameson Taillon (@JTaillon50) October 28, 2024
Ohtani popped his shoulder out while bracing his body on a slide into second base during Game 2. Despite that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts really never had a doubt about his star player’s status for Game 3.
