NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is set to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium on Monday night despite a partially dislocated left shoulder, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani planned to take some swings at Yankee Stadium during the Dodgers' workout on Sunday night. Roberts said pain tolerance was the key factor.
“I just don't see him not playing Game 3,” Roberts said. “If he feels good enough to go, then I see no reason why he wouldn’t be in there.” Ohtani did not travel with the team to New York in order to undergo imaging.
He was on a separate flight. Ohtani partially dislocated his left shoulder sliding into second base when he was caught stealing to end the seventh inning of Saturday night’s 4-2 victory in Game 2 at Los Angeles. Seeking their eighth title and second in five years, the Dodgers lead 2-0 in the best-of-seven Series.
Roberts said on Saturday night that Ohtani “had a little left shoulder subluxation” and would get image testing either Saturday night or Sunday. Ohtani clutched his left forearm after being tagged by shortstop Anthony Volpe for the final out in the seventh on a feetfirst slide. He laid near the bag for a couple of minutes before being tended to by athletic trainers and leaving the field.
Roberts said after the game he was encouraged that Ohtani had good strength and range of motion in the shoulder. Roberts said he felt better Sunday than on Saturday. The likely NL MVP was 0 for 3.
