Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani made a remarkable return to the starting lineup as the designated hitter for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday night, just two days after partially dislocating his left shoulder during Game 2 against the New York Yankees.
The incident occurred when Ohtani was caught stealing to end the seventh inning of Saturday night's 4-2 victory over the Yankees. Despite the injury, Ohtani was determined to play in the crucial Game 3 as the Dodgers seek their eighth World Series title and second in five years.
With the Dodgers leading the best-of-seven series 2-0, pitcher Walker Buehler took the mound for Game 3 against Clarke Schmidt of the Yankees. Ohtani's presence in the lineup provided a significant boost to the Dodgers' offense.
During Game 2, Ohtani visibly struggled after the injury, clutching his left forearm following a feet-first slide into second base. Despite the discomfort, Ohtani managed to finish the game but was clearly in pain. He went 0 for 3 with a walk in Game 2 and is currently 1 for 8 in the World Series, batting .260 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his first postseason appearance with the Dodgers.
Ohtani, a two-time AL MVP with the Los Angeles Angels, made a historic move to the Dodgers last December, signing a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract. Known for his exceptional two-way skills, Ohtani had an outstanding regular season, hitting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases.
Despite his offensive prowess, Ohtani did not pitch during the season due to recovery from elbow surgery in September 2023. As a result, he has been limited to the designated hitter role, showcasing his versatility and impact on the Dodgers' lineup.
As Ohtani continues to battle through his shoulder injury, his resilience and determination have been commendable, earning him admiration from fans and teammates alike. His presence in the World Series lineup signifies his commitment to helping the Dodgers secure another championship title.
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