Dodgers DH Shohei Ohtani (shoulder) cleared for Game 3
Following a partial dislocation of his left shoulder in the Los Angeles Dodgers' win against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series, star player Shohei Ohtani has been given the green light to play in Game 3 on Monday night.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani's ability to play will depend on his pain tolerance.
During his press conference on Sunday, Roberts stated, "If he feels well enough to play, I see no reason why he wouldn't be in the starting lineup."
Ohtani sustained the injury while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning of Saturday night's 4-2 victory.
The designated hitter used his left arm to brace himself during a feet-first slide, and remained on the ground at second base until trainers could attend to him.
Ohtani left the game and was later diagnosed with a subluxation, or partial dislocation, of his left shoulder. The Dodgers were "encouraged" by postgame tests that showed positive results for Ohtani's strength and range of motion.
Roberts stated that Ohtani was expected to rejoin the team on Sunday night. While the rest of the team traveled to New York after Saturday's game, Ohtani remained in Los Angeles for evaluation. The Dodgers currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
In the Fall Classic, Ohtani has only managed to go 1-for-8 so far.
The 30-year-old, who is likely to be named National League MVP, hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases during the regular season, making him the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 record.
