Dodgers provide big Shohei Ohtani injury update

Feb 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers provided a huge update on the health of Shohei Ohtani ahead of Game 3 of the World Series on Monday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told ESPN’s Karl Ravech that Ohtani has been cleared to play in Game 3 after suffering a partially dislocated shoulder on a slide into second base. Roberts added that Ohtani is in a “great spot” and seemed to have no doubts about the star’s availability.

Breaking: Shohei Ohtani has been cleared to play in Game 3 of the World Series after he suffered a shoulder injury late in the Dodgers' Game 2 win.

"He's in a great spot. He's playing tomorrow," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech via text. pic.twitter.com/BYV5ZPzF59

— ESPN (@espn) October 27, 2024

Roberts said after the game that he was encouraged about how Ohtani felt, and sounded a note of optimism that the star DH would be okay. Evidently, tests turned out nothing too worrisome.

There was definitely reason to worry in the immediate aftermath of Ohtani’s injury. The Dodgers are consistently indicating, however, that he should be able to play without any trouble. Whether he will be able to swing the bat up to his usual standards remains to be seen, but the Dodgers are going to give him a shot at it.

Ohtani is just 1-for-8 in the first two games of the World Series, though that hit was a big double in Game 1 that set them up to tie the game in the 8th inning.