The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Josue De Paula from Double-A Tulsa and placed Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list before their 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Friday. De Paula made his major league debut, recording a flyout in his first at-bat, while Ohtani was sidelined due to right biceps inflammation.
De Paula’s debut and roster move
De Paula, a top Dodgers prospect, entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. He worked a full count against Marlins starter Ryan Gusto, fouling off a fastball before hitting a slider to right field for a flyout. Manager Dave Roberts had previously expressed confidence in De Paula’s readiness, stating before the game that he would "swing at strikes, take balls, and put together good at-bats." The Dodgers selected De Paula’s contract to clear space on the 40-man roster, transferring left-hander Eric Lauer from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.
Ohtani’s injury status and playoff outlook
The Dodgers did not provide a specific diagnosis for Ohtani’s right biceps inflammation, listing it only as "inflammation" on the injured list. Ohtani had been struggling in recent weeks, hitting .130 with 22 strikeouts against seven hits since August 18. His performance decline followed earlier issues with knee, arm, and neck pain, which had also limited his pitching appearances. The team has not ruled out Ohtani returning for the postseason, though some insiders express skepticism.
Diverging perspectives on Ohtani’s availability
A Dodgers insider, writing for the California Post, suggested Ohtani is effectively done for the season, stating, "He’s done for like all intents and purposes." The insider acknowledged a remote possibility of Ohtani returning in specialized roles but predicted he would not play again in 2024. In contrast, Dodgers beat writer Jack Harris argued that while Ohtani may not appear in the regular season, he will likely return for the playoffs. Roberts declined to speculate on Ohtani’s playoff availability, emphasizing the team’s focus on his recovery.
Team strategy and roster implications
The Dodgers (90-57) activated De Paula amid a tight playoff race, while placing Ohtani on the IL to manage his workload. The move reflects the team’s prioritization of long-term health over short-term gains, though it raises questions about Ohtani’s readiness for October. The Dodgers have not provided a timeline for his return, citing the need for further evaluation.