Dave Roberts of the Dodgers offers an update on Shohei Ohtani ahead of World Series Game 3

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects Shohei Ohtani to start in Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Monday. Ohtani injured his left shoulder while trying to steal second base during Game 2 of the World Series, which ended with the Dodgers winning 4-2.

Ohtani appeared to be in significant pain from his shoulder injury and was attended to by trainers before leaving the game.

Roberts said Sunday that the final decision on whether Ohtani plays or not will depend on his pain tolerance. They expect him to play, per Kirsten Watson. Assuming Ohtani plays, Roberts doesn’t believe he’ll be limited.

#Dodgers Dave Roberts said the decision on Shohei Ohtani will ultimately come down to pain tolerance, but the club expects him to be in the squad for the third match.

— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) October 27, 2024

Ohtani’s shoulder has improved since he was injured on Saturday, and he underwent imaging of the shoulder on Sunday morning.

“When it comes to test results, doctors everywhere are hesitant,” Dave Roberts said Sunday. “I don’t have them. I’m more concerned about the coaching staff. Shohei feels good this morning, range of motion, strength. He should appear on the pitch within the next 30 minutes and start training.

Ohtani’s training on Sunday will also influence the decision on his appearance.

“I think taking dry swings and that worked for him,” Roberts said. “And of course, taking balls off the tee, batting drills in the cage, that will be telling. I think he’s obviously very aware of himself and his body. So if he feels good enough to go, I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t play there.

The Dodgers are preparing to play Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, the first road game of the series. The Dodgers will Ohtani reach the first World Series and postseason of his career, which has been a goal of his throughout his career and the reason he decided to sign with the Dodgers in free agency last year.

In his first postseason, the two-time American League MVP hit .260/.403/.460 with 13 hits, 13 runs, three home runs and 10 RBI. Over the first eight games of the World Series, Ohtani recorded one hit, one run and one walk.