Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani is expected to play in Game 3 of the World Series, despite suffering a partially dislocated shoulder in Game 2. With the Dodgers leading the series 2-0 over the Yankees, the stakes are high, and Ohtani’s potential return could play a critical role in deciding the outcome. The injury, however, raises questions about how effective the baseball phenom will be on the field and whether he can perform at the high level fans have come to expect from him.
During a press conference on October 27, Roberts expressed optimism, saying, “Shohei’s feeling good this morning in terms of range of motion and strength.” Although detailed test results are still pending, Roberts and the team are cautiously optimistic. Ohtani has been practicing dry swings and took some batting practice, and the team is using these sessions to gauge his readiness for Game 3, which will be held at Yankee Stadium. “He’s well aware of himself and his body,” Roberts added, hinting that Ohtani will ultimately make the final call on his ability to play.
The injury occurred in the seventh inning of Game 2 when Ohtani was attempting to steal second base. He left the field with the assistance of the team’s athletic trainer, visibly in pain, while the Dodgers went on to win the game 4-2, increasing their lead in the series. Despite the initial diagnosis of a shoulder subluxation, the Dodgers were quick to reassure fans that they are taking every precaution to ensure Ohtani can play safely without risking further injury. Ohtani’s health is under intense scrutiny, especially given his monumental 2024 season, in which he became the first MLB player ever to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
For Ohtani, this moment in the World Series is significant, marking his first appearance in the championship series after a season of stellar performances. Yet, as the Dodgers inch closer to a World Series title, the timing of his injury couldn’t be more unfortunate. Roberts noted that while the ultimate decision to play lies with Ohtani’s comfort level, there is little risk of the injury worsening. “Once we make the decision that he can play, I would assume there isn’t a possibility of aggravation,” Roberts said, adding that the injury is mainly about pain tolerance and that players have played through similar conditions in the past.
The manager is confident that the injury, affecting Ohtani’s left shoulder, which is his back shoulder when batting, won’t hinder his swing. “I don’t see him being compromised. It’s the left shoulder, which is the back shoulder, so I don’t see how that affects his hitting if he’s able to go,” Roberts explained. Ohtani’s skill as both a batter and a pitcher has made him one of the most electrifying talents in baseball, and his potential participation in Game 3 could be a significant morale boost for his teammates, who are now within reach of a championship.
Ohtani’s season has been nothing short of historic. Beyond his unprecedented 50-50 achievement, he has been a key figure in the Dodgers’ journey to the World Series, displaying unmatched power, speed, and versatility. However, the intensity of his playing style has inevitably taken a toll. This season marked his first with the Dodgers, and he managed to stay injury-free until now. For both Ohtani and the Dodgers, his injury represents a crucial test of endurance, determination, and adaptability under the pressure of the world’s biggest baseball stage.
Roberts and the team are mindful of the potential risks, but they also know what Ohtani’s presence on the field means—not only to the Dodgers’ championship hopes but to fans across the world who have witnessed his remarkable season. Ohtani’s name has become synonymous with the extraordinary, and he has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat player in baseball, thriving as both a power hitter and an ace pitcher. His potential return for Game 3 is laden with emotional significance, adding another layer of excitement and tension to a series that has already captured fans’ imaginations.
Game 3, set for October 28 at Yankee Stadium, is shaping up to be a showdown. If Ohtani does take the field, it will be a high-stakes return that could define not only this series but also his legacy. With the Dodgers just two games away from securing the championship, the question remains whether Ohtani’s remarkable season can continue, even with an injured shoulder, and propel his team to victory. His resilience, coupled with the Dodgers’ strategic approach, could set the stage for a legendary moment in baseball history—one that fans, analysts, and the sports world will be watching closely.
