Shohei Ohtani working on new slide technique with Dodgers after World Series injury

Last season, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani became the first player in Major League history to steal 50 bases and hit 50 home runs in the same season. Now, he might just be the first player in Major League history to steal 50 bases in a season and then proceed to get drilled in the most basic base running techniques the following year in spring training.

Ohtani partially dislocated his shoulder while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. The injury caused him to leave the game with a trainer while clutching his left arm, but it didn't keep him from batting leadoff for the Dodgers in Game 3. He went on to appear in Games 4 and 5 as well, going 1-for-11 with a walk.

Ohtani didn't escape the incident completely unscathed, as he had to undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder once the World Series was over. He didn't look any worse for the wear in his 2025 Cactus League debut, though, when he homered in his first at-bat of a 6-5 Dodgers win over the Angels on Feb. 28.

Still, as Ohtani looks to build off of his storybook first season with the Dodgers in which he became the founding member of the 50-50 club, earned his third unanimous MVP award, and won his first World Series ring, his health needs to be a priority – especially if he intends to return to the mound as a pitcher in May after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Shohei Ohtani working on new slide technique with Dodgers after World Series injury

Most of Ohtani’s injuries since coming to the Major Leagues in 2018 have been pitching-related, including operations on his right elbow in 2018 and 2024. Still, the two-way phenom is already taking measures during spring training to prevent any more base running mishaps.

Several video compilations have surfaced showing Ohtani practicing a feet-first slide technique while keeping his arms off the ground during spring workouts. It may look a little slow in game action, but it's a work in progress for now — and, after all, isn't that what spring training is for?

Are we getting ahead of ourselves by wondering if Ohtani's new sliding technique can bring us a 60-60 season in 2025? Regardless, it looks like he's having fun, and that's a good sign with Opening Day just a few weeks away.

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