• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Dave Roberts Says Ohtani ‘in a Great Spot,’ Will Play in Game 3

  • Ohtani was injured on a stolen-base attempt during Game 2.
  • The Dodgers lead the series 2–0 as it heads back to New York, and early ratings have been strong.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LOS ANGELES — Just as Major League Baseball was basking in the strong early ratings returns from its star-studded 2024 World Series, Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani hurt his left shoulder late in Game 2 Saturday night, giving a serious scare to everyone involved in marketing the sport.

Ohtani sustained the injury attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning of Game 2. 

ESPN spoke with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Sunday afternoon, and Roberts said Ohtani was “in a great spot” and would play in Game 3 on Monday night.

Shortly after the game, the Dodgers were “encouraged” that he would not miss any time. But Ohtani’s condition was initially described as a subluxation, medically defined as a partial dislocation.

“We’ll know more in the next couple of days,” said Roberts after the 4–2 victory for Los Angeles. “The strength was great, the range of motion good, so we’re encouraged.”

Game 3 of the World Series is set for Monday at Yankee Stadium. The Dodgers now lead two games to none, and Ohtani’s continued presence means a sizable momentum shift on the field isn’t paired with a potentially significant impairment to mainstream interest in the World Series—especially interest from Japan.

After Ohtani during the regular season became MLB’s first player with 50 home runs and 50 steals in a season, he entered the World Series as the biggest star in an event with plenty of others. That presence helped fuel MLB and Fox Sports to a strong Game 1 average viewership of 15.2 million viewers, the best Fall Classic opening audience since 2017. 

Before this, Ohtani’s injury history has been primarily tied to his pitching. After major elbow surgery 13 months ago, he did not pitch all this season, but he did play the full season as a designated hitter. 

“He’s got to still go through the workout and swing the bat, but again, today feels better than yesterday, and our assumption is tomorrow’s going to feel better than today,” Roberts said in a Sunday press conference. “That’s what I’m banking on.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Marcellus Wiley Considering His Own Lawsuit After Fox Allegations

Wiley left Fox in 2022 after hosting Speak for Yourself for four years.
Brent Rooker

A’s Keep Shelling Out Cash With Payroll Grievance Looming

They’ve never had a payroll eclipse $100 million but might have to.

Rays Reverse Course on Tropicana Field Repairs, Aim for 2026 Return

After questioning the ballpark repairs, the MLB club now wants them done.
Scottie Scheffler tees off on hole 17 during the first round of The Players Championship PGA golf tournament Thursday, March 14, 2024 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

LIV Golf and PGA Tour Finales Will Clash for First Time

LIV Golf’s team championship and the PGA Tour’s finale will go head-to-head.

Featured Today

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates a first-down catch against Oregon during the 2025 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

The Biggest Changes to College Sports Are Coming in 2025

Sweeping developments could affect the college sports foundation this year.
Dec 31, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) walks out to the rink before the Winter Classic against the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field
January 1, 2025

Glitzy NHL New Year’s Eve Winter Classic Showcased Connor Bedard’s Star Power

The business of Bedard—on full display—is crucial for the NHL.
Pop-Tarts bowl tropfy
December 27, 2024

‘I Want to Play in That Game’: How the Pop-Tarts Bowl Went..

The bowl has players saying, “I want to play in that game.”
NHL Winter Classic 2024
December 26, 2024

NHL, TNT Pinning High Hopes on First New Year’s Eve Winter Classic

Can the dream setting of Wrigley Field lift flagging viewership?
opinion

Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, and the Athletes of the Year

What the Time and Sports Illustrated choices tell us about 2024.
Fred Kerley
January 3, 2025

Video Shows Miami Beach Police Striking, Tasing Olympic Sprinter Fred Kerley

A local judge admonished police in court Friday.
Jan 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks on from the bench during the second half at Kaseya Center.
January 3, 2025

Heat Suspend Butler for 7 Games, Will Listen to Trade Offers

The Heat previously said they would not trade the six-time All-Star.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Nov 9, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami FC forward Lionel Messi (10) arrives before the match against the Atlanta United FC in a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match at Chase Stadium.
January 2, 2025

Lionel Messi Lists Real Estate Assets on Small Spanish Stock Exchange

The properties are concentrated in the Spanish region of Catalonia.
Nov 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark attends the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Footprint Center.
January 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Has Some Ideas to Fix the NBA

She talked about the NBA ratings dip on the Kelce brothers’ podcast.
December 31, 2024

Star Premier League Striker Fined $100K, Suspended Two Games

Cunha is among the leading scorers in the Premier League this year.
December 31, 2024

The Roki Sasaki Race: MLB Teams Made Films, Books to Court Bargain..

The Japanese star has met with “a set few number of teams.”