Shohei Ohtani is set to take the field in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night.
Despite sustaining a shoulder injury in Game 2 against the New York Yankees on Saturday, Ohtani has been confirmed to start in the upcoming game at Yankee Stadium. The talented player will lead off for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a decision that was widely anticipated.
Ohtani suffered the shoulder injury while attempting to steal second base during the seventh inning of Saturday’s victorious game against the Yankees.
Following the incident, Ohtani stayed on the ground in discomfort as his left arm endured a direct hit and an awkward twist during the slide into second base. He was ultimately called out and had to exit the game.
While Ohtani left the stadium immediately after the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been providing positive updates. On Sunday, Roberts stated that Ohtani was “feeling good” and “in a great spot.”
“I think that he’s obviously very well aware of himself and his body, so if he feels good enough to go, I see no reason why he wouldn’t be in there,” Roberts said on Sunday.
Ohtani made history in MLB this season by achieving a 50-50 milestone. He concluded the regular season with 59 stolen bases out of 63 attempts, although he has not been successful in the postseason thus far.
As the Dodgers maintain a 2-0 series lead over the Yankees, Ohtani contributed with a hit and a run in their Game 1 triumph, but remained hitless in the following game. His walk in the seventh inning of Game 2 led to the stolen base attempt and subsequent injury.
The Dodgers are aiming to secure their first World Series title since 2020, while Ohtani is experiencing his inaugural postseason this fall after missing out in his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.