Shohei Ohtani's injury probably won't help Yankees after sad World Series Game 2 loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers were in complete control. They needed just six more outs against the New York Yankees to take a 2-0 lead in the World Series. Everything was as good as it could possibly be. But then disaster struck.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Shohei Ohtani attempted a steal of second base, but he was caught after landing on his left arm awkwardly. Dodger Stadium went silent as he laid on the infield dirt in pain.

He left the game moments later and it was later revealed he suffered a shoulder injury. The medical staff helped him off the field, gingerly holding his left arm in a position that appeared to prevent him from dealing with more pain.

The severity, as of right now, is unclear, but even a hampered Ohtani the rest of the way completely changes the complexion of the World Series. If he's not at 100%, the Yankees are at a distinct advantage with their offense failing to deliver at the moment ... or are they?

The Dodgers are already dealing with a hobbled Freddie Freeman (though he's dominated) as well as a slumping Will Smith. They've gotten contributions from just about everyone else, but Ohtani's 13 runs scored, three home runs, 10 RBI and 12 walks have played a big part.

Removing that from the equation would be a killer for LA and, at worst, it could result in futile offensive battles with the Yankees from this point forward.

Shohei Ohtani Injury: Yankees World Series hopes completely change vs Dodgers

The fact he left the game that quickly in visible pain cannot bode well for the Dodgers. Even if he's able to take the field, there's no way he'll be 100% by Game 3 on Monday. And will a couple extra days of rest even matter if the Dodgers wait to put him in the lineup for Tuesday? Remains to be seen.

But wait ... will subtracting something from the Dodgers improve the Yankees? Doesn't seem like it! It's still the Juan Soto-Giancarlo Stanton show while Aaron Judge continues to swing over every single breaking ball and the rest of the lineup does nothing impactful.

Even when the Yankees' pitching staff neutralized Ohtani, the Dodgers made them pay. Look at Game 1 after he popped out. It somehow led to a walk-off grand slam. Look at Game 2 after he went 0-for-3 and the Dodgers still hit three home runs off Carlos Rodón. His presence certainly matters, but the Dodgers still have stars up and down the lineup.

On Saturday, the Yankees responded with one run through the first eight innings and snagged one more in the top of the ninth when the Dodgers were at their weakest, reeling from their best player abruptly leaving the game with his status hanging in the balance. They loaded the bases and couldn't tie the game or take the lead.

Until the Yankees prove they can beat their opponent forcefully without having a win gift-wrapped ... or until they can put forth a team effort in a well-rounded victory, it's hard to view any personnel loss for the Dodgers as a significant momentum shifter.