Dodgers news: Shohei Ohtani hits IL with 16 games left amid injury concerns

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has officially placed star player Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list, signaling the end of weeks of speculation regarding Ohtani's ability to continue playing with pain. The decision was made after consultations with Ohtani, medical professionals, and the training staff, and it was deemed the appropriate choice given the approaching postseason.

Ohtani has been sidelined for six of the Dodgers' last seven games due to discomfort in his right biceps, left knee, and neck issues that have visibly impacted his swing. His last appearance was on Monday, during which he went scoreless with two strikeouts and a walk before exiting the game due to discomfort in his arm. Despite manager Roberts' prediction just a few days prior that Ohtani would return to the lineup, the move became official shortly thereafter.

As a two-way player, Ohtani must serve the full 15-day minimum on the injured list, meaning his earliest return is September 23, leaving only five games before the wild card round begins on September 29. Ohtani has been prohibited from pitching for the remainder of the season. In lieu of Ohtani's absence, the Dodgers have called up top prospect Josue De Paula from Double-A Tulsa to assume the starting DH role, with De Paula expected to take the majority of starts.

De Paula, a 20-year-old with a .302 batting average, .539 slugging percentage, 26 home runs, and 31 stolen bases this season, is considered the 10th best prospect in baseball entering September. However, his defensive skills are a concern, with a corner outfield position being a long-term projection at best. The timing of Ohtani's injury is particularly challenging for a Dodgers team aiming for a third consecutive World Series title, as they currently sit at 89-57 and have maintained a four-game lead over Atlanta with 16 games remaining.

Roberts acknowledged that the club may have waited too long to place Ohtani on the injured list, expressing regret in hindsight that they should have done so a week earlier rather than attempting to manage through the pain with just four days of rest.