### Ohtani to Play in World Series Game 3 Despite Injury Scare

The Dodgers can breathe a sigh of relief as Shohei Ohtani is confirmed to be in the lineup for World Series Game 3 on Monday. Manager Dave Roberts assured ESPN that the superstar is “in a great spot” after an MRI examination on Sunday.

Saturday's 4-2 victory over the Yankees saw a tense moment when Ohtani partially dislocated his left shoulder while sliding into second base in the seventh inning. The slide caused him considerable pain and led to his early exit from the game. Despite the scare, Roberts was hopeful immediately after the game, noting that Ohtani exhibited good strength and range of motion, although he awaited the results of the MRI for confirmation.

Ohtani’s presence is crucial for the Dodgers. He is expected to win his third MVP award following a stellar regular season that included 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. During the postseason, he has hit .260 and contributed significant plays, such as a double off the right-field wall in Game 1 and memorable home runs, including one in his first playoff at-bat and another into the upper deck at Citi Field in the NLCS.

This incident marks the second injury setback for the Dodgers during this postseason. First baseman Freddie Freeman sustained an ankle injury towards the end of the regular season, causing him to miss three playoff games. Nonetheless, Freeman made a triumphant return, hitting a triple in Game 1 of the World Series and later delivering a walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning after an intentional walk to Mookie Betts.

The Dodgers are now poised to take a commanding 3-0 series lead in the World Series as they head into Game 3 at Yankee Stadium. Walker Buehler is set to start, following up on an impressive performance by Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 2.