2024 World Series: Is Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Playing vs Yankees in Game 3?
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Is Shohei Ohtani Playing in Game 3 of the World Series? Latest Updates
With anticipation building for Game 3 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, fans are anxiously awaiting word on Shohei Ohtani‘s status. The two-way superstar left Dodger Stadium on Saturday with a left shoulder subluxation following an awkward landing during a stolen-base attempt. Initially, concerns ran high regarding Ohtani’s potential absence. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has provided optimistic updates, stating that Ohtani’s condition seems to be improving. So, will Ohtani take the field in Game 3? Here’s the latest.
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The Injury: How Ohtani Got Hurt
During Game 2, Ohtani attempted to steal second base and landed hard on his left arm, resulting in a shoulder subluxation—a partial dislocation. As he signaled for a timeout, it was clear that something was wrong. He walked off the field, cradling his arm as the Dodgers medical team assessed his injury. Ohtani underwent further tests on Sunday, with results showing the injury was manageable and not as severe as initially feared. While he didn’t participate in the team’s workout, he was spotted at Yankee Stadium around 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Will Ohtani Play in Game 3?
Dave Roberts indicated that Ohtani’s participation in Game 3 ultimately hinges on his pain tolerance. If Ohtani feels stable and can swing the bat without excessive pain, he’ll be in the lineup. Roberts noted that Ohtani has already done some “dry swings” and worked off a tee, which is promising. “If he feels good enough to go, then I see no reason why he wouldn’t be in there,” Roberts explained, adding that Ohtani has a strong sense of his physical limits.
How Will the Shoulder Injury Affect Ohtani’s Performance?
A critical aspect of Ohtani’s left shoulder injury is that it’s not his primary swinging shoulder. As a left-handed hitter, the mechanics of his swing rely more on his right shoulder, which should allow him to manage the pain and continue playing at a high level. However, Ohtani may adjust his style slightly to avoid exacerbating the injury. Roberts suggested that pain tolerance will be the primary challenge, but the Dodgers don’t expect the injury to worsen if Ohtani continues to play.
What If Ohtani Can’t Play?
Should Ohtani’s injury prevent him from playing, Freddie Freeman could step in as the Dodgers‘ designated hitter, moving Max Muncy to first base and potentially giving more time to Miguel Rojas or Andy Pages. Pages has been a solid postseason performer, and both he and Rojas provide depth if the Dodgers need to reshuffle their lineup. However, the Dodgers are hopeful they won’t need to make these adjustments and that Ohtani will be ready to go.
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A Star Ready for the Big Stage
The Dodgers remain optimistic about seeing Ohtani back in the lineup for Game 3, which airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. Roberts summed up the team’s outlook: “If he’s able to play, willing to play, he’s going to play.” All eyes will be on Yankee Stadium to see if Ohtani takes his place in the lineup, ready to deliver in the world’s most-watched baseball series.
Where to Watch Dodgers vs Yankees and World Series Game 3 Odds
- Location: Yankees Stadium
- Time: 8:08 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: Fox, Sportsnet
- Spread: Yankees -1.5 | Moneyline: Yankees -142 | Total: 7.5
