Dodgers Activate De Paula as Ohtani Returns to DH Role

3:10 AM ETDeveloping

Sports Desk

In Short: The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up outfielder Josue De Paula to bolster their lineup as Shohei Ohtani returns from a four-day break to play designated hitter.

Manager Dave Roberts expressed hope that Ohtani would not show the same physical signs of strain that he did during a recent game before his break. Ohtani, a two-way superstar, was back in the Dodgers' lineup as a designated hitter on Monday night after dealing with lingering injuries to his left knee, right biceps, and neck.

Even though Ohtani is back as a hitter, the Dodgers have put a pin in his pitching plans for the remainder of the season. 'We’ve put a pin in throwing,' Roberts said, 'and just having him focus on the hitting, the running, keeping his legs good, and doing whatever it takes to help us win.' This decision comes as the Dodgers are without Freddie Freeman due to a right knee issue.

With Ohtani's return, the Dodgers are also turning to one of the best prospects in the sport to help bolster their offense. Outfielder Josue De Paula, ranked as the sixth-best prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, is being called up directly from double-A. The 21-year-old has had the best campaign of his minor-league career, batting.303 with 27 home runs, 101 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases.

The promotion of De Paula represents an aggressive move from the Dodgers' front office. De Paula, who has been with the organization's double-A affiliate in Tulsa, has shown impressive consistency, with almost as many walks as strikeouts and a strong batting average. The Dodgers hope that by taking pitching off Ohtani's plate, he can focus on hitting and get back on track.

Ohtani's thoughts remain private since he hasn't spoken to the media since August. However, Roberts described Ohtani as 'happy' to be back in the lineup while being 'completely fine' about tabling any pitching plans for now. The Dodgers are hoping that this strategy will help Ohtani regain his form at the plate.

What's still developing

The NL West-leading Dodgers won all four games during Ohtani’s absence, including a sweep of the Washington Nationals.
Outfielder Josue De Paula is being called up directly from double-A, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The California Post on Wednesday, and will be officially activated on Friday when the Dodgers open a road trip in Miami.
Roberts had said pregame that an injured list stint was being considered for Ohtani.
“I think that our player development group is very confident in his ability to conduct an at-bat,” Roberts said.

Sources

New York Postlink