Story perspectives

Ohtani to Play Game 1 Despite Injuries

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 2:29 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani will play in Game 1 despite injuries.
He cannot pitch because of left-knee soreness and a strained right biceps.
He says he feels really good overall and his swing is smoother.
He was placed on the injured list in September after a 14-game stretch with seven hits and 22 strikeouts.
After returning, he hit .238 with one extra-base hit, eight strikeouts and one walk.

History

Historical Context

In 1919 the Yankees bought Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $100,000, and his 29 home runs that season sparked the live-ball era and shifted baseball toward power hitting. Over a century later, Shohei Ohtani entered the 2024 season nursing a left-knee bruise and biceps strain, choosing to hit exclusively, echoing Ruth’s move that reshaped player roles.

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Story summary

Shohei Ohtani will play in Game 1 despite injuries.
He cannot pitch because of left-knee soreness and a strained right biceps.
He says he feels really good overall and his swing is smoother.
He was placed on the injured list in September after a 14-game stretch with seven hits and 22 strikeouts.
After returning, he hit .238 with one extra-base hit, eight strikeouts and one walk.

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