For weeks, the Los Angeles Dodgers have seemed off. They went 13-14 in August, and although they have played since the start of September, they feel beatable. One of the biggest reasons for the Dodgers’ struggles has been Shohei Ohtani’s status. Over the past few weeks, he has dealt with multiple injuries. So much so that it has stopped him from pitching. The hope was that Ohtani would be able to play through these injuries and that it would not hurt his production at the plate.
But the Dodgers decided to place Ohtani on the injured list, and he would miss at least the next 15 games. This means his return date is the last day of the season. That is, of course, if he feels better by then and does not suffer any setbacks. Which is the last thing they need, as he has been very productive this season. In 130 games this season, he has slashed .277/.380/.522 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, and a 147 OPS+. He also has a 1.79 ERA in 85 ⅔ innings with 95 strikeouts to 26 walks, a 0.946 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 234.
While losing Ohtani for any period of time is the worst-case scenario, if there was a time to rest him, it’s right now. Despite the struggles in August, the Dodgers pretty much have their playoff spot wrapped up. They are 11 games up on the San Diego Padres for first place in the West. It would take a historic collapse to blow that lead, and with the talent the Dodgers have, it seems next to impossible. Now is the time for Ohtani to focus on getting healthy and being 100% for the upcoming postseason.
Who Will Replace Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers Roster?
The only question that remains is who will replace Ohtani on the roster. Rather than calling up a “Quad-A,” the Dodgers decided to give Josue De Paula a shot. De Paula is currently the top prospect in the Dodgers system and the sixth overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He has received a lot of praise during his development, with some analysts calling him the most advanced young hitters in baseball. Many see him as a more athletic version of Yordan Alvarez.
De Paula has done more than enough this season to warrant a call-up to the majors. In 124 games with Double-A Tulsa, he has slashed .303/.401/.547 with 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. It is the best numbers he’s put up since the 2022 season when he was playing for the Dodgers’ complex league. It seems like he is finally putting together all the flashes we have seen over the years. While he always seems to have elite tools, this is the one season where they have led to elite production.
With the Dodgers so far ahead in the standings, De Paula should get as much playing time as possible. There is no reason to call up your best prospect, and someone you think is a core piece, just to sit him on the bench. He should be in the starting lineup and facing big-league pitching. While it’s very unlikely he can do anything to make the postseason roster, he could position himself to fight for a roster spot in Spring Training next season. That is, of course, if he shows he’s ready to be in the majors.
Although Dodgers fans would much rather see Ohtani play, his stint on the IL gives an opportunity for De Paula to make a name for himself. Fans can watch a future star play while their current star gets ready for the postseason.
