{
  "id": 9430800,
  "title": "Dodgers activate Shohei Ohtani, demote red-hot rookie Josue De Paula to Triple-A",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-activate-shohei-ohtani-demote-red-hot-rookie-josue-de-paula",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T22:44:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/dodgers-activate-shohei-ohtani-demote-red-hot-rookie-josue-de-paula-to-triple-a-224415469.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated their star player Shohei Ohtani from the injured list. In response, they demoted rookie slugger Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a team that may have to end their season as early as Wednesday. De Paula, the top prospect in the Dodgers system and one of baseball's best overall prospects, was originally called up to replace Ohtani when the star decided to sit out. Ohtani will bat second in his first game back against the San Diego Padres, marking his first time not batting leadoff for the Dodgers since June 16, 2024. Mookie Betts will take over at leadoff instead, facing Padres left-hander Robbie Ray. De Paula will make his Triple-A debut as a starter for the Oklahoma City Comets in Game 2 of the PCL championship series. During the 11 games Ohtani missed, De Paula was the only Dodger to reach base more often, helping the team win 11-3 and secure a playoff berth and NL West lead. Many are wondering if De Paula's performance warrants a spot on the Dodgers' postseason roster. While De Paula can still make the postseason by petitioning the commissioner's office, he is currently not eligible due to not being on the Dodgers' 40-man roster on Sept. 1. He will likely have to compete with Dalton Rushing, a left-handed bench bat recovering from a partially torn UCL, for a spot in the lineup. Rushing may not return to his usual catcher position at the start of 2026, but he could still contribute offensively. These situations showcase the challenges of managing a roster when a superstar is back in full form. Regardless of where De Paula ends up, the Dodgers are on track to face either the Atlanta Braves or Padres in the NLDS, though that could still change.",
  "summary": "De Paula is reportedly still in the mix for a postseason roster spot.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shohei Ohtani activated from injured list",
    "Josue De Paula demoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City",
    "De Paula made Triple-A debut in PCL championship series"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Dodgers activate Shohei Ohtani from 15-day injured list",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-activate-shohei-ohtani-from-15-day-injured-list",
        "published": "2026-09-23T23:54:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Dodgers Demote Red-Hot Rookie in Shocking Roster Move",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dodgers-demote-red-hot-rookie-in-shocking-roster-move",
        "published": "2026-09-23T23:56:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}