BREAKING: Los Angeles Dodgers Confirms Major Decision On Shohei Ohtani
As Los Angeles Dodgers players prepared for Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, smiles returned as Shohei Ohtani was expected to play Monday night despite a partially dislocated left shoulder.
Ohtani suffered the injury during a slide into second base after being caught stealing in the seventh inning of Saturday’s 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in Los Angeles.
With doubts about Ohtani’s availability lingering, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani’s return.
“I just don’t see him not playing Game 3,” Roberts said ahead of Sunday’s practice. “If he feels up to it, there’s no reason for him not to play.” Ohtani had taken a separate flight to New York to undergo further testing.
Roberts explained that medical staff was still awaiting test results. “Our doctors are all over it, but I’m just going off what the trainers and Shohei are saying,” he said, mentioning that Ohtani had experienced improved mobility and strength.
Ohtani was expected to arrive at the stadium for the practice at 6 p.m. EDT, where he planned to hit off a tee and take indoor batting practice after doing dry swings post-injury.
“That’ll be a good indicator,” Roberts said. “If he feels better today than yesterday, we assume he’ll feel even better tomorrow.” Roberts added that Ohtani’s back shoulder might limit pain’s impact on his swing if he decides to play.
Leading the Series 2-0, the Dodgers aim for their eighth title, with Walker Buehler scheduled to face Clarke Schmidt in Game 3.
“If he’s able and willing, he’ll play,” Roberts affirmed. “And Schmidt will be facing Shohei, which means everything.”
Ohtani, who briefly stayed on the field after his feet-first slide resulted in him being tagged out by shortstop Anthony Volpe, went 0-for-3 with a walk in Game 2 and has hit 1-for-8 in the Series so far. In his postseason debut, he’s batting .260 with three home runs and 10 RBIs.
Joining the Dodgers last December on a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract, Ohtani, a two-time AL MVP with the Angels, had a historic season batting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, becoming the first player with at least 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in a season. Due to elbow surgery on September 19, 2023, he did not pitch and was limited to designated hitter duties.
Buehler spoke highly of Ohtani’s presence: “Having one of the best players in the world helps. It lets other guys play a little more freely.”
Ohtani was one of the few Dodgers to avoid a major injury during a season in which nearly every starting pitcher hit the injured list, along with extended absences for Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. Freddie Freeman is also currently playing through a sprained right ankle in the postseason.