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The Los Angeles Dodgers dodged a bullet. The AL champions got a major scare on Saturday night late in Game 2 of the World Series when Shohei Ohtani appeared to injure his right shoulder. However, the latest update on the player's status has brought peace of mind to the team and its fans.
"He's in a great spot," manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech via text. "He's playing tomorrow."
The injury scare came late in the seventh inning of Saturday's 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees, which gave the Dodgers a 2-0 series lead. Ohtani, attempting to steal second base, suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder. After being tagged out, he remained on the ground clutching his arm, silencing the stadium as fans and teammates watched in concern.
Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez described the tense atmosphere: "The whole stadium went silent."
The Dodgers and Ohtani got lucky this time
Fortunately, initial tests showed Ohtani's strength and range of motion were intact, easing concerns about a more severe injury. Ohtani, who stayed injury-free all season, was examined in Los Angeles before flying to New York to re the team for Game 3 on Monday.
The Dodgers will play Games 3, 4, and, if needed, Game 5 at Yankee Stadium. A victory would bring them one step closer to clinching the championship.
Ohtani's presence is crucial for the Dodgers. The $700 million g has been a force throughout the season, becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single campaign. He's expected to win the National League MVP unanimously after his stellar performance.
Ohtani has been instrumental in the Dodgers' postseason
In the postseason, Ohtani has continued to shine, racking up three home runs, 10 RBIs, and an .863 OPS across 13 games. Though he's struggled slightly at the plate in the first two World Series games (1-for-8), his return offers a massive boost to the Dodgers' hopes.
With their eyes on a championship, the Dodgers now head into Game 3 with their superstar back and the momentum firmly on their side.