Shohei Ohtani will officially participate in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night.
Ohtani injured his shoulder in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ win over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the series on Saturday, but he is officially in the starting lineup for Monday’s game in the Bronx. Ohtani ended up starting for the Dodgers, which was as expected by most.
Ohtani went down with a shoulder injury while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning of Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Yankees.
He was hit in the left arm, fell to the ground in pain, and awkwardly jumped back as he slid into second place. Ohtani was called out and left the game.
Ohtani left the stadium shortly after the game ended, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has since shared only positive information. He said Sunday in New York that Ohtani was “feeling good” and “in the best position.”
“I think he obviously understands himself and his body very well, so if he feels better, there’s no reason not to go,” Roberts said Sunday.
Ohtani made MLB history this year by becoming the first player to complete a 50-50 season. He finished the regular season with 59 stolen bases in 63 attempts, but has failed in two attempts so far in the postseason.
The Dodgers head into Monday night’s game with a 2-0 series lead over the Yankees. Ohtani had one hit and one RBI in the Game 1 win, but was hitless on Saturday. In the seventh inning of that game he was given a walk, which led to his attempted steal and injury.
The Dodgers are aiming to win their second World Series since 2020. After missing the playoffs in his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani will appear in his first playoff appearance this fall.
