Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an in-depth update on Shohei Ohtani’s shoulder injury and explained why he is in the lineup for Game 3 of the World Series.

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“He was convinced he was going to play.” said Roberts. “I saw him swinging in the cage last night. He looked really good and strong. The ball came off the bat.

“I think there was more uncertainty in our minds, but in his mind he was going to play from day one, from Saturday evening.”

Roberts also shared what the MRI scan revealed on Ohtani’s left shoulder.

“No structural damage,” he said.

Roberts is encouraged that Ohtani completed almost all of his normal pre-game routines during Sunday’s practice in the Bronx.

“That’s what was encouraging because he essentially did probably 80 percent of his normal routine yesterday. That was encouraging and there was no compromise at all.”

Ohtani’s injured shoulder won’t be vulnerable when he’s in the batter’s box, as his back shoulder is sore. In 2020, Cody Bellinger also dealt with a shoulder injury, but his shoulder was exposed to potentially being hit by a pitch.

“The front shoulder, I say it’s harder because if a hitter is in front or fooled, you lose the bat with your backhand. And the right arm – in this case with a left-handed hitter, that’s when you start to become vulnerable if your arm gets lost.

“The back elbow – the back shoulder is more connected. You’re just less likely to get that exposure with a swing and a miss or a ball in front.

“Cody Bellinger did it with the front shoulder in 2020, which he was very careful with. But again, in a vacuum, the back shoulder is better.”

Bellinger went on to hit a home run in that game, and it’s very likely Ohtani could do the same.

Losing Ohtani from the lineup could have been a huge shift in momentum as the series travels back east to New York. Now that the Dodgers have confirmed Ohtani will be in the lineup, the Yankees will have to do their best to contain the former MVP.

“Well, I think it’s definitely an advantage that we have him in the batter’s box,” Roberts said. “Regardless of what limitations a pitcher may think he has or doesn’t have, not many guys are willing to take that opportunity. I just expect him to control the strike zone, let the at-bats come to him, and swing and swing.” shoot when the ball is in a strike zone.

“Again, we’re just really grateful to have him in the lineup.”