The Los Angeles Dodgers officially placed superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list Wednesday, a move the organization had been considering for over a week. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision following the team’s 14-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Ohtani Sidelined by Dual Injuries
The two-way phenom is dealing with lingering issues in his left knee and right biceps. The placement on the IL opens a roster spot and signals a shift in the Dodgers’ lineup as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
Top Prospect Josue De Paula Expected to Debut
In a corresponding move, highly touted outfield prospect Josue De Paula is expected to join the active roster on Friday when Los Angeles opens a weekend series against the Miami Marlins. The 21-year-old is not currently on the 40-man roster, meaning the front office will need to make an additional transaction to accommodate his promotion.
Dominican Republic Signing Develops into Elite Hitting Prospect
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, De Paula has rapidly ascended through the minor league system. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the organization’s most advanced hitting prospect since Corey Seager.
Offensive Profile Draws Yordan Alvarez Comparisons
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, De Paula has drawn comparisons to a smaller, more athletic version of American League MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez. Scouts highlight his tremendous raw power combined with an advanced plate discipline that yields excellent pitch selection.
Dominant Double-A Season Forces Promotion
De Paula’s production at Double-A Tulsa this season made the call-up inevitable. In 588 plate appearances in the Texas League, he posted a .303/.401/.547 slash line with 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. He added to those totals Wednesday, launching a solo home run in the first inning of the Drillers’ 10-1 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
