Shohei Ohtani’s Shoulder Injury, Plays in Game 3 of World Series

28 Oct at 6:15 pm

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Shohei Ohtani’s Shoulder Injury, Plays in Game 3 of World Series \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Shohei Ohtani returned to his leadoff role as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter for Game 3 of the World Series, just two days after partially dislocating his left shoulder. His presence energizes the Dodgers, who lead the New York Yankees 2-0 in the series. Ohtani sustained the injury in Game 2 during a slide into second base but reassured teammates he would be ready to play in New York.

Shohei Ohtani’s World Series Comeback: Key Details

Game 3 Return: Despite a shoulder injury, Ohtani is back in the lineup as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
Dodgers’ Title Chase: Los Angeles holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Yankees.
Injury Incident: Ohtani was injured sliding into second in Game 2, exiting with a left shoulder dislocation.
Teammate Support: Dodgers’ Max Muncy said Ohtani assured the team he would play, lifting spirits.
Historic Season: Ohtani hit .310 with 54 homers this season and is likely NL MVP; he’s limited to DH duties post-elbow surgery.

Deep Look

In a crucial moment of resilience, Shohei Ohtani took the field as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ leadoff designated hitter for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday, just two days after partially dislocating his left shoulder in Game 2 against the New York Yankees. This return comes as a welcome boost for the Dodgers, who lead the Yankees 2-0 in the series and are chasing their eighth championship and second in five years.

After sustaining the injury on Saturday night, Ohtani’s availability for the next game was in question. He hurt himself while sliding into second base, attempting to steal in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 4-2 win. Dodgers shortstop Max Muncy spoke about the impact of Ohtani’s quick return on the team’s morale. “If you keep the best player in the game in the lineup, that’s usually good for your team,” Muncy said. “Having him in there, obviously it’s a big deal for us. We’re expecting a couple more big moments out of him.”

Muncy shared that Ohtani had texted teammates Saturday night, reassuring them he’d be ready for Game 3 in New York. “He texted the whole team on our way to the airport and said he was going to be fine, and that’s it. He said he was going to play, so we all put it to the side at that moment,” Muncy said. “We said, ‘All right, he’s got us.’ We’ll be ready for him to be in the lineup.”

Injury Incident in Game 2

Ohtani’s injury happened at a critical point in Game 2. Attempting a steal to help secure the Dodgers’ lead, he slid feet-first into second base, where Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe tagged him. The play caused Ohtani’s shoulder to roll outward, and he clutched his left arm in visible pain as he lay near the base for several minutes. Trainers attended to him before escorting him off the field, leaving Dodgers fans and teammates concerned about his condition.

“It was tough in the moment to see him in pain like that,” Muncy said. “We were just two innings away from winning, and we knew we had to refocus. But it’s tough seeing Sho like that.” After the game, Muncy described how teammates lined up “like a buffet line” to check on Ohtani and ensure he was okay.

Despite the incident, Ohtani’s commitment to return for Game 3 reaffirmed his importance to the Dodgers’ World Series pursuit. While his Game 2 stats show he was 0-for-3 with a walk, Ohtani’s presence as a designated hitter, along with his overall postseason record, boosts the team’s prospects against the Yankees. Ohtani’s postseason batting line is .260 with three home runs and 10 RBIs, making him a reliable offensive force.

Ohtani’s Historic Season and Role with the Dodgers

Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers last December on a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract, is already an MVP favorite after an exceptional season. Batting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, he became the first player in MLB history to achieve at least 50 homers and 50 steals in a season. Although he hasn’t pitched this year due to a September 2023 elbow surgery, his offensive performance has cemented his role as one of baseball’s most dynamic players.

Now 30, Ohtani has demonstrated his adaptability by adjusting to a designated hitter role as he recovers from surgery. His productivity remains strong, and his return from injury signals his dedication to helping the Dodgers secure a championship. Fans and teammates alike expect more big moments from the two-time AL MVP as he aims to lead the Dodgers to victory.

Dodgers vs. Yankees: Key Matchup Details

Game 3 sees Walker Buehler starting on the mound for Los Angeles, facing off against Clarke Schmidt for New York. As the Dodgers aim to extend their 2-0 series lead, Ohtani’s availability adds offensive depth to a lineup that will benefit from his powerful presence. Buehler’s strong postseason performance gives the Dodgers a solid advantage, but with Ohtani returning, the offensive lineup appears even stronger.

Ohtani’s contributions on offense are particularly critical given the tough competition the Yankees pose. As one of MLB’s most decorated franchises, the Yankees are determined to stay alive in the series, but Ohtani’s return bolsters the Dodgers’ odds. The Dodgers hope that Ohtani can capitalize on scoring opportunities and help secure a pivotal Game 3 victory.

Yankees’ Reaction to Ohtani’s Return

Ahead of Game 3, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed concern for Ohtani after his injury, emphasizing the importance of competing against top players. “You see him walk off holding it like that, obviously that’s a concern. But hopefully he is OK,” Boone said before Monday’s game. “We all want to be out here competing with and against the best, and obviously Shohei embodies that. So hopefully everything’s OK, and we’ll get to go compete against him.”

Boone’s comments underscore the respect that Ohtani commands across the league as a two-way talent, even when limited to a designated hitter role. His impact on the game has extended beyond individual stats, representing a new standard for versatility and skill in modern baseball.

The Dodgers’ World Series Pursuit and Ohtani’s Role

Seeking their eighth championship and aiming for their second in five years, the Dodgers are poised to make a deep run, with Ohtani at the heart of their offensive efforts. Despite his injury, Ohtani’s dedication to returning swiftly has energized both fans and his team, demonstrating his value as a team player. As the Dodgers continue to push for the title, Ohtani’s resilience amid adversity will be critical.

With Ohtani’s shoulder injury not hindering his role as a hitter, Dodgers fans and teammates alike are hopeful that his return will keep the momentum going. The team remains cautiously optimistic, aware of the risk of reinjury but confident in Ohtani’s ability to impact the game. His determination, alongside the Dodgers’ strong roster, has set the stage for a thrilling World Series matchup.

As Ohtani takes his place in the lineup for Game 3, his grit and talent solidify his role as a defining figure in the Dodgers’ championship aspirations. With his resilience on full display, the Dodgers look to leverage his contributions as they inch closer to a potential championship win.