Shohei Ohtani has been placed on the injured list due to right arm discomfort, the Dodgers announced Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts stated the move was necessary to get Ohtani healthy for the postseason, noting Ohtani has sat out six of the past seven games. Ohtani, who has not pitched since July due to a left knee issue, acknowledged he likely won't pitch again this season. His offensive production has also dipped, compiling only seven hits and 22 strikeouts over his last 54 at-bats.

Josue De Paula has been called up from Double-A to fill Ohtani's designated hitter role. The 21-year-old outfield prospect was signed for $400,000 in 2022 and has slashed .303/.401/.547 with 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 124 games. Roberts called De Paula the team's consensus top prospect and believes his bat is major league ready. De Paula is expected to get most of the playing time over the next 11 games during a seven-game trip.

Ohtani will be eligible to return on Sept. 23, giving him a maximum of five regular-season games before the playoffs. Roberts expressed confidence Ohtani will be in a much better place after the rest, stating, "Very" when asked about his readiness. The Dodgers hope this reset allows them to get the best of Ohtani for the postseason run.