Ohtani Returns
Shohei Ohtani returns to the Dodgers lineup as the regular season concludes.
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Key Points
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Ohtani hit just .198 (19-for-96) with 34 strikeouts in his 24 games before landing on the injured list, underscoring the extent of his recent offensive struggles.
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While sidelined, Ohtani was unable to face live pitching; he instead took coach batting practice and hit against the Trajekt machine, which simulates real pitchers. The Dodgers expect him to play in all five remaining regular-season games to make up for missed at-bats.
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Josue De Paula produced a .268 batting average and .974 OPS in 28 at-bats while filling in for Ohtani, with one home run, seven RBIs and one stolen base.
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Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani was “considerably” better than when he went on the injured list, but the team did not expect him to return fully healthy. Roberts also indicated the Dodgers may use a platoon at the top of the order, with Betts leading off against left-handers and Ohtani potentially returning to leadoff duties against right-handers.
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De Paula said Ohtani’s unexpected presence in the dugout caught him off guard: “I gave him a handshake, but then I double take like he’s here.” De Paula added, “I can’t wait until he’s back. To see what he does in the box, you don’t see that every day.”
Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup after missing 17 of their last 18 games due to right biceps inflammation and left knee trouble. The star designated hitter batted second behind Mookie Betts in the team's final five regular-season games as Daily Breeze reported, with the playoff-bound Dodgers chasing the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League's top seed.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani was "considerably" better than when he landed on the injured list, but the Dodgers did not expect him to return fully healthy Daily News. Ohtani will play strictly as a designated hitter after his pitching comeback was halted. His return comes with the team hoping to strengthen their pursuit of home-field advantage and another World Series title.
Ohtani's Offensive Struggles Before Injury
Ohtani hit just .198 with 34 strikeouts across 24 games before landing on the injured list Press Enterprise. His 19 hits in 96 at-bats underscored the extent of his recent offensive struggles heading into the final stretch. The struggles made rest and recovery even more critical for the Dodgers' championship hopes down the stretch.
De Paula Impressed During Ohtani's Absence
Rookie Josue De Paula filled the designated-hitter role and turned heads with strong early production Press Telegram. The 21-year-old posted a .268 batting average with a .974 OPS in 28 at-bats, adding one home run, seven RBIs and one stolen base. De Paula's standout performance included delivering in an 8-2 win over the Giants, showing the Dodgers had solid depth at the position.
De Paula Starstruck by Ohtani's Presence
When Ohtani greeted De Paula in the dugout, the rookie was caught off guard by the superstar's unexpected appearance. "I gave him a handshake, but then I double take like he's here," De Paula said Whittier Daily News. The young player expressed excitement about watching Ohtani return: "I can't wait until he's back. To see what he does in the box, you don't see that every day."
Limited Prep Time Before Return to Action
While sidelined, Ohtani could not face live pitching and instead took coach batting practice and hit against the Trajekt machine, which simulates real pitchers. The Dodgers expect him to play in all five remaining regular-season games to build up his at-bats Daily Breeze. Roberts also indicated the team may use a platoon at the top of the order, with Betts leading off against left-handers and Ohtani potentially returning to leadoff duties against right-handers.
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