Shohei Ohtani Texted Dodgers Teammates After WS G2 Win That He'd Be Fine amid Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers were surely worried about their championship prospects when Shohei Ohtani suffered a shoulder injury during Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, but the slugger reportedly reassured his teammates in the aftermath.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Monday that Ohtani texted a group of teammates following the Game 2 win and ensured them he would be fine. Nightengale also noted Max Muncy was anything but surprised Ohtani will play in Monday's Game 3 after checking in with him.

The injury occurred when the 30-year-old slid into second base on a steal attempt. He immediately grabbed at his arm and left the contest.

Other than the Ohtani injury, the World Series has been excellent so far for the Dodgers.

They are up 2-0 following two straight home wins and are now just two victories away from their first championship since 2020. And that 2-0 cushion means they could even lose two of the next three on the road in New York and still only need to win one more at home to lift the trophy.

Ohtani's status was the biggest question mark coming out of those first two victories, but manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech on Sunday that he was "in a great spot and will be playing in Game 3 tomorrow."

That echoed a Saturday update from Roberts when he told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez the team was "encouraged" by the initial tests and "expecting" Ohtani to play in Game 3.

He is playing and will bat in his familiar leadoff spot against Clarke Schmidt.

New York will have to immediately deal with someone who is likely well on his way to the National League MVP after slashing .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers.

The only thing missing from Ohtani's resume at this point is a World Series crown, and he will be in the lineup and looking to change that in the coming days.