Dodgers banking on Ohtani to start in Game 3 after shoulder injury

NEW YORK — Although early indications were positive, the Dodgers left Dodger Stadium Saturday night with legitimate concerns about whether Shohei Ohtani would be forced to miss some — if not the rest — of the World Series against the Yankees with a left shoulder subluxation.

But Ohtani's injury on Sunday was in a better place than the Dodgers expected. So much so, in fact, that manager Dave Roberts said the expectation is for the superstar designated hitter to be in the Dodgers' lineup for Game 3 Monday night at Yankee Stadium.

“He's still got to go through workouts and swing the bat,” Roberts said before the Dodgers' workout Sunday at Yankee Stadium. “But today feels better than yesterday, and our guess is that tomorrow will feel better than today. So with that, that's what I'm banking on.”

Ohtani suffered a shoulder dislocation, a partial dislocation, when he landed awkwardly on his left hand during a stolen-base attempt that ended the seventh inning of the Dodgers' 4-2 win in Game 2. The second-base umpire and training staff walked off the field while gently holding his left arm.

Ohtani underwent more tests Sunday, but Roberts said he did not have an accurate diagnosis. Ohtani, who flew in separately from the team on Sunday, did not participate in the team's practice during the two-hour window at the field but was seen entering the stadium around 7:30 p.m.

Roberts noted that Ohtani would go through baseball activities — swings off the tee, then batting practice.

“I think taking that dry swing, which he did, then obviously taking the ball off the tee, taking batting practice in the cage, that speaks volumes,” Roberts said. “I think she's obviously very aware of herself and her body. So if he feels well enough to go, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be there.”

If Ohtani comes out feeling fine, the Dodgers are confident that this year's NL MVP will be favored to win Game 3 and beyond with their lineup atop. Asked if Ohtani would be compromised at all, Roberts said injuries usually come down to pain tolerance.

“I honestly think it's up to his tolerance,” Robert said. “That's right. So I guess you can put it at Freddy's [Freeman] Buckets but guys have had this before and played. But, again, it's just everyone's tolerance.”

On a positive note, the Dodgers believe Ohtani's swing shouldn't be too affected with injuries. The right shoulder is much more important for a left-handed hitter, especially one who swings as aggressively as Ohtani. The Dodgers also feel confident that Ohtani's injury won't worsen because he will play through it.

If Ohtani has to miss time, which isn't expected, the Dodgers have plenty of coverage behind him. Freeman, who is battling a sprained right ankle, could shift from first base to designated hitter, while third baseman Max Muncie, who took some grounders Sunday, could move back to first base.

Shortstop Miguel Rojas or outfielder Andy Pages could then get some extra playing time. Pages showed flashes throughout the postseason, including a two-homer game against the Mets in the NL Championship Series.

But the Dodgers are hoping they don't have to tap into their depth. By far, the game's biggest star is expected to return to the game's biggest stage on Monday.

“If he's able to play, willing to play, he's going to play,” Roberts said. “[Clarke] Schmidt will know that the show is in the box, so that means everything.”