NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani, dealing with a partial dislocation of his left shoulder, is expected to be in the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts practically declared it earlier Sunday, telling ESPN’s Karl Ravech via text: “He’s playing tomorrow.” Later, before a workout from Yankee Stadium, Roberts cautioned that Ohtani still had to go through a workout but is nonetheless trending in that direction.
“That’s my expectation talking to the training staff and getting the reports,” Roberts said. “If it’s a pain-tolerance situation, I just don’t see him not playing Game 3.”
Ohtani suffered what was described as a subluxation while sliding into second base to end the seventh inning of Saturday’s 4-2 win over the New York Yankees in Game 2. Ohtani was slow to get up, rolling on the ground while grabbing his left arm. When he was finally helped to his feet, Dodgers assistant athletic trainer Yosuke Nakajima held the superstar’s left arm as the two disappeared into the clubhouse.
Ohtani subsequently underwent strength and range-of-motion tests that came back positive, iced his shoulder and left Dodger Stadium without a sleeve. He underwent an MRI in L.A. on Sunday morning, details of which have not been provided by the team. Ohtani’s flight was expected to touch down in New York sometime early Sunday evening, after which he was expected to join his teammates for a workout that would include more treatment and light batting practice.
Roberts said Ohtani’s swings off a tee and in the batting cage would be “telling.”
“I think that he’s obviously very well aware of himself and his body,” Roberts added. “So if he feels good enough to go, then I see no reason why he wouldn’t be in there.”
Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani might have to tolerate playing through discomfort. What helps, Roberts added, is that it’s an injury to his back shoulder, not his front shoulder, which would have been more problematic while swinging as a left-handed hitter.
Ohtani didn’t spend any time on the injured list this year and put together a historic regular season, becoming the first member of the 50/50 club and all but guaranteeing he’ll be the first full-time designated hitter to win an MVP. Through 13 games of his first postseason, Ohtani is slashing .260/.403/.460 with three home runs and 10 RBIs but no stolen bases, having been caught twice.
The Dodgers will face right-hander Clarke Schmidt in Game 3. If Ohtani can’t start, Freddie Freeman, dealing with injuries all month, would probably slot in at DH. Max Muncy would then shift to first base, Enrique Hernandez would start at third base and Andy Pages would be inserted into the lineup to handle center field. Ohtani’s replacement in the leadoff spot would be Mookie Betts.
Asked if he’s worried about Ohtani performing below 100%, Roberts said: “That doesn’t concern me. If he is able to play, willing to play, he’s going to play. Schmidt will know that Shohei’s in the box, so that means everything.”
