Dave Roberts JOKES on missing Shohei Ohatni’s text in Dodgers chat as ‘Showtime’ joins lineup for Game 3

Shohei Ohtani is back in the lineup for Game 3 despite suffering from a partial shoulder dislocation against the Yankees.

Dave Roberts JOKES on missing Shohei Ohatni’s text in Dodgers chat as ‘Showtime’ joins lineup for Game 3

Dave Roberts and Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Marca/Imago]

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is back in the lineup for Game 3 much to the fans’ relief. The Japanese superstar suffered from a partial shoulder dislocation during Game 2 against the New York Yankees. 

His return was quite questionable as he did not get into the flight with his team to NY. However, he texted his teammates saying he’ll definitely be there for Monday night’s game at Yankee Stadium. 

YouTube video

While his teammates were reassured of his return, manager Dave Roberts did not get a wink after Game 2. Later, he joked about how he could’ve slept peacefully had he known about the Dodgers text thread.

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It would have been helpful if I saw that thread. I would have slept better Saturday night.

Dave Roberts as per MLB Network.

Shohei Ohtani was seen trodding on the Yankee Stadium with a black sling on his left shoulder to support the subluxation. Roberts said ‘Showtime’ was “very adamant that he was going to play,” since Day 1 of the World Series.

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According to Roberts, his swings in the cage the night prior looked good, although some seemed uncomfortable. It is Ohtani’s first time participating in a World Series and he was not going to miss it unless it was a fully broken bone. He said the Fall Classic was the reason why he wanted to play in MLB. 

Dodgers talk about Shohei Ohtani’s text after partial shoulder dislocation

Following Game 2 of the World Series, Dave Roberts revealed how Shohei Ohtani’s shoulder needed to be popped back before undergoing further testing. He could not join his teammates on the same flight which further cast doubts about his availability.

Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Imago]

Roberts further added Ohtani went through “80%” of his regular routine on Sunday and seemed good enough to be back in the lineup. LA Dodgers infielder Max Muncy expressed how relieved they felt on receiving his text before Game 3.

He said he was going to play, and so we all just put it to the side at the moment. We all said, ‘All right, he’s got us. We’ll be ready for him to be in the lineup.

Max Muncy as per AJ Cassavell and Thomas Harrigan of MLB
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The Dodgers are now concerned that his subluxation doesn’t further aggravate. Medically, such situations are not unprecedented and usually need surgery. Robert hopes that Ohtani’s injury will be treated and surgery will not be required. Although he’ll be playing in Game 3, the team will look out for their star pitcher to prevent any further injuries.