Dodgers to Place Shohei Ohtani on IL; Top Prospect Josue De Paula Expected to Join Team

Following a 14-1 victory over the Reds, the Dodgers announced Shohei Ohtani will move to the 15-day injured list as prospect Josue De Paula joins the roster.

Manager Dave Roberts announced following a 14-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds that the Los Angeles Dodgers are placing Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list. Ohtani has missed six of the last seven games while managing soreness in his right arm and discomfort in his left knee. Sources told ESPN that the club will call up 21-year-old outfielder Josue De Paula to join the active roster on Friday for a seven-game road trip through Miami and Cincinnati.

De Paula, ranked as the 10th-best prospect by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, arrives from Double-A where he slashed .302/.400/.539 across 123 games this season. The left-handed hitter recorded 26 home runs and 31 stolen bases prior to his promotion. Originally signed out of the Dominican Republic for just under $400,000 in 2022, De Paula is expected to receive plate appearances at designated hitter while Ohtani recovers for the postseason.

The roster move comes as the Dodgers, winners of six consecutive games, manage multiple injuries to their starting lineup. Center fielder Andy Pages remains sidelined with a fractured left hand, and first baseman Freddie Freeman was held out of Wednesday’s lineup due to right knee soreness. Despite Freeman's absence, Roberts indicated the first baseman is not expected to require a stint on the injured list.