'I can't believe you insisted on playing even though the MRI results weren't out?' Fellows are impressed by Ohtani's desire to win, and DH will play in the leadoff game of the 3rd round

Oct 29, 2024

LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is stepping down to the dugout with trainer and manager Dave Roberts after injuring his left shoulder while trying to steal in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series. AP Yonhap News

Ohtani, who looks painful with a dislocated shoulder after being tagged out while trying to steal. ImagesYonhap News

LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, who was uncertain to play due to "incomplete shoulder luxation", has been listed in the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series.

The Dodgers made up the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on the 29th (Korea time) in the order of Ohtani-Bets-Freeman-Theosca-Monsi-Smith-Lux Kieke-Edman.

Ohtani walked in the bottom of the seventh inning in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on the 27th and stole second base at Teosca's at-bat, causing shoulder pain when his left hand touched the ground strongly.

After lying on second base for a few minutes and complaining of pain, Ohtani stepped down to the dugout with his left shoulder wrapped around his right hand with the help of his trainer. And a test conducted on the spot in the locker room revealed a diagnosis of incomplete dislocation. However, manager Dave Roberts said 'He dislocated his left shoulder incompletely. However, it is good to use your arm strength and range of movement right now. Ohtani expects to remain in the lineup for Game 3." I didn't expect it to be a major injury.

Director Dave Roberts is interviewing ahead of Game 3 of the World Series. AFP Yonhap News

Ohtani, who remained in LA while the other players left for New York and underwent an MRI the next day, was diagnosed with good shoulder condition. In other words, it was a temporary dislocation. He immediately boarded a flight to New York.

Roberts said he had to wait and see whether he would play in Game 3 as the shock was great, but Ohtani announced his intention to play after swinging and running before the game and eventually included him in the lineup.

"He was very determined to play," Roberts said in an official interview before the game. "I came here last night and saw him swing in the cage, and he looked very good and strong. The ball hit well. Our staff was anxious, but Ohtani's mind was determined to play from the first day, that is, the evening before yesterday" he said.

This means that Ohtani showed his willingness to play and put him in the lineup.

In addition, it has been confirmed that Ohtani has sent text messages to players about this since shortly after he was injured.

Max Muncy told MLB.com "After the second leg, Ohtani texted the entire squad on his way to the airport. He said he's in good shape. He said he was going to run, so we all just put that moment aside and 'Okay, Ohtani convinced us. I said, 'I've got to get ready to get into the lineup.'

It was an expression of the players' willingness to play in Game 3 before undergoing an MRI examination to see exactly how their shoulders were.

jhno@sportschosun.com