09/23/26 08:16:00
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09/23 20:14 CDT Shohei Ohtani returns from injury and is the DH as the Dodgers
reshuffle the top of the order
Shohei Ohtani returns from injury and is the DH as the Dodgers reshuffle the
top of the order
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --- Shohei Ohtani was back in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup
on Wednesday after missing two weeks with right biceps discomfort.
He was set to bat second as the designated hitter against the San Diego Padres
and left-handed starter Robbie Ray. Ohtani hits left-handed and throws and
pitches right-handed.
"I'm not expecting too much," manager Dave Roberts said. "It's been a while
since he's played, but it's just good to get him in there."
Mookie Betts was in Ohtani's usual leadoff spot, where he's been since the
two-way superstar went on the injured list on Sept. 8.
Betts is hitting .366 with six home runs, 21 RBIs, 13 walks and 18 runs scored
in 18 games in September. He's tied for third in the major leagues with 26 hits
this month, and also ranks among National League leaders this month in
extra-base hits, RBIs, total bases, doubles and runs.
Ohtani last played on Sept. 7 against Cincinnati and is hitting .277 with 30
homers, 80 RBIs, 89 runs scored and 80 walks in 134 games. He appeared
physically compromised at the plate, shaking out his arm and wincing at times.
"A few weeks ago you could see that he couldn't hit a fastball, he was
underneath everything and it was a slower swing," Roberts said. "Just
controlling the swing, the barrel, I think that's something I'll look at and
obviously stuff like the wincing, but I don't expect to see any of that."
Roberts said he likely would have Ohtani leading off and Betts hitting second
against right-handed pitching.
The Dodgers conclude their three-game set against the Padres on Thursday, then
head to San Francisco for three games against the Giants to end the regular
season.
Roberts expects to see a focused Ohtani at the plate.
"It's go-time for all of us and I think he's in a good spot," Roberts said.
"He's getting ready for the postseason. His mind should be there and my bet is
that that's where it's at."
In other moves, pitcher Tarik Skubal was reinstated from the bereavement list.
He is scheduled to start Friday at San Francisco. Reliever Kyle Hurt was
optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Rookie Josue De Paula sent back to minors, could return for postseason
With Ohtani's return, Josue De Paula was sent down to Triple-A to join the
Comets in the Pacific Coast League playoffs against the Las Vegas Aviators. De
Paula had been in the lineup as the DH.
De Paula quickly became a fan favorite during Ohtani's absence. The 21-year-old
New York native reached base safely in 10 of his first 11 games in the majors.
He went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a walk while notching his first career
triple in the Dodgers' 7-0 win over the Padres on Tuesday.
"He performed more than admirably," Roberts said. "This also just gives us an
opportunity to potentially have him back for the postseason. He's a part of the
conversation and he's earned that, and that's what I told him."
If De Paula makes the postseason roster, he would serve as a pinch-hitter.
"Josue has been awesome," said Andrew Friedman, president of baseball
operations. "Injected some real life and energy into our team."
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