Dodgers Finally IL Ohtani as Playoff Clock Ticks, De Paula Set for MLB Debut

After months of playing through knee and bicep pain, Shohei Ohtani is headed to the injured list, ending his two-way stint with the Dodgers as he shifts to a pure-hitting role. With 16 regular-season games left, the Dodgers will call up top prospect Josue De Paula to debut Friday as the DH, while Ohtani serves a minimum 15-day IL stretch that won’t allow a return until Sept. 23, leaving questions about his timing and effectiveness for a postseason run; manager Dave Roberts admitted the decision should have come sooner.