Daily News 19

Tag: Injured list

  • “They basically lie”: Shohei Ohtani Accused of Concealing Multiple Injuries to Avoid Dodgers’ Injured List

    “They basically lie”: Shohei Ohtani Accused of Concealing Multiple Injuries to Avoid Dodgers’ Injured List

    Shohei Ohtani’s latest injury setback has left the Los Angeles Dodgers dealing with more than a hole in their lineup; it has also raised uncomfortable questions about communication between the club and its biggest star.

    Ohtani Lands on Injured List After Lingering Issues

    Ohtani was placed on the 15-day injured list following weeks of physical problems that included left knee discomfort, right biceps soreness, and more recent arm pain. Los Angeles had repeatedly attempted to manage the situation through rest, but his production declined, and a brief return against the Cincinnati Reds only deepened the concern.

    Rosenthal Questions Player Communication

    Speaking on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal suggested the issue may not be simply whether the Dodgers gave Ohtani too much control over his availability. “Is this a case of a player just having too much control?” Rosenthal asked. “And I don’t know that it is, as much as a player who is not communicating his physical condition well enough to the team.”We’ve seen this over the years with a lot of players who want to stay on the field. They basically lie about their injuries.” Rosenthal was speaking broadly about the way some players minimize physical problems, not establishing that Ohtani intentionally misled the Dodgers.

    Roberts Reveals Delayed Injury Report

    The concern became more pointed after manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani did not tell the medical staff right away about discomfort he felt during a swing. “There was a swing Monday that he didn’t feel great on, hasn’t totally recovered from Monday,” Roberts said. “So the thought is to give him today and then huddle up with him, the medical staff, and figure out what the next steps.” Those discussions eventually ended with Ohtani going on the IL for the first time this season.

    Dodgers Address Communication Directly

    Roberts also confirmed the Dodgers had spoken directly with Ohtani about the communication issue. “We did,” Roberts said when asked whether the club had emphasized the need for better communication. “That’s right. We did.”

    Ohtani Acknowledges Need for Reflection

    Ohtani did not dismiss the concern. “It’s hard to say now with the season still going on,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “It’s something that I’m going to reflect back on during the offseason. I’m just making sure that I’m focusing on the now and finishing strong.”

    Performance Dip and Pitching Uncertainty

    Ohtani’s performance had already shown signs that the injuries were affecting him. He went 2-for-26 over his previous seven games and 6-for-52 over a longer stretch, with his swing looking increasingly uncomfortable. He has not pitched since July 3 because of knee issues, and the Dodgers are no longer expecting him back on the mound this season. Because Ohtani is a designated two-way player, he must remain on the IL for at least 15 days; his earliest possible return is September 23.

    Dodgers Call Up De Paula, Eye October Return

    The Dodgers recalled Josue De Paula from Double-A Tulsa to help cover the absence. At this stage, Los Angeles’ priority is to get Ohtani healthy enough to matter in October.

    The larger lesson may be just as important. With a player as competitive and valuable as Ohtani, the Dodgers need complete honesty about how he feels, even when the answer is one he doesn’t want to give.

  • Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Confirms Shohei Ohtani Placed on IL

    Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Confirms Shohei Ohtani Placed on IL

    Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Wednesday that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is being placed on the injured list. The decision comes after Ohtani missed six of the team’s last seven games due to lingering soreness in his right biceps and left knee.

    Roberts: Move Was Necessary Despite Playoff Push

    “It’s the right thing to do,” Roberts said following the Dodgers’ 14-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, which Ohtani was sidelined for. “We tried to kick the bucket as much as we could.”

    The skipper added that Ohtani would be in the lineup on Thursday “if it were a postseason game,” underscoring the cautious approach with the four-time MVP as Los Angeles pursues a third consecutive World Series championship.

    Ohtani Confirms Focus on Hitting for Remainder of Season

    Ohtani, who will not pitch again this season due to his injuries, addressed his role moving forward after Monday night’s home victory over Cincinnati.

    “Most likely, no,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about pitching again this season following the team’s Monday night win at home over the Cincinnati Reds, per MLB.com. “I’m going to be focusing on hitting moving forward.”

    Dodgers Call Up Top Prospect for Road Trip

    Los Angeles is off Thursday before opening a seven-game road trip in Miami on Friday. Top prospect Josue De Paula is expected to join the team in Miami to provide outfield depth during Ohtani’s absence.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

  • Dodgers call up top prospect Josue De Paula as Shohei Ohtani heads to IL

    Dodgers call up top prospect Josue De Paula as Shohei Ohtani heads to IL

    De Paula Set for Major League Debut Friday

    The Los Angeles Dodgers are promoting top prospect Josue De Paula, manager Dave Roberts announced Wednesday night. De Paula will join the club Friday for the opening game of a three‑game series against the Miami Marlins. The move coincides with Shohei Ohtani heading to the injured list as the corresponding roster transaction.

    “We’re going to IL Shohei,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 14-1 rout of the Cincinnati Reds. “Talking to Shohei, the doctors, the training staff, it’s the right thing to do. I think that we tried to kick the can as much as we could, but we are going to bring Josue. He’ll make his major league debut on Friday as a designated hitter.”

    With Ohtani sidelined, De Paula is expected to handle the “lion’s share” of reps at designated hitter, Roberts added. The 21‑year‑old outfielder could also spell teammates at the corner outfield spots, though that appears less likely given Teoscar Hernández’s strong play and the team’s desire to test Kyle Tucker in a late‑season role.

    Ohtani Placed on 15‑Day Injured List

    Ohtani has been managing multiple ailments, including persistent soreness in his left knee, right biceps and neck. After sitting out four games last week, he returned Monday against the Reds and went 0‑for‑3 with two strikeouts and a walk, then missed Tuesday and Wednesday’s games. Because Ohtani is a two‑way player, he must be placed on the 15‑day injured list. He will be eligible to return for the final series of the regular season, and the Dodgers are optimistic that timeline holds.

    Roberts Confident Ohtani Will Return for Postseason

    “I do think that if the playoffs were tomorrow, he’d be in the lineup,” Roberts said of Ohtani. “And so now knowing that there’s got to be some at‑bats taken before the playoffs, and he understands that. So I’m pretty confident that he’ll be ready to go on that 15th day.”

    Unorthodox Promotion from Double‑A

    The Dodgers have historically avoided calling up top prospects unless a clear path to consistent playing time exists. De Paula’s arrival signals the organization sees a window to give its top prospect his first real opportunity in the majors.

    “The thought was there is a little bit of a runway now with Shohei on the IL, and we can get him some major league at‑bats and see how that looks,” Roberts explained.

    De Paula will be promoted directly from Double‑A, a first for a position player under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. The decision was influenced by Ohtani’s injury and the need to add De Paula to the 40‑man roster this offseason anyway.

    “I think that our player development group is very confident in his ability to conduct an at‑bat,” Roberts said. “You could argue that the talent in Double A is similar to Triple A, as far as pure arms and arm talent. I think that we’ve seen him in camp for two or three years. He doesn’t run from velocity. He controls the strike zone. And I think that this is just a good opportunity for him to kind of cut his teeth in the big leagues.”

    De Paula’s Breakout Season and Scouting Reports

    Signed as an international free agent in 2022, De Paula entered the season ranked as the No. 20 prospect in baseball by The Athletic’s Keith Law. He is enjoying a breakout campaign in the Texas League, hitting .303 with a .948 OPS and 31 stolen bases over 124 games for Tulsa. De Paula hit his 27th home run of the season Wednesday in the Drillers’ 10‑1 win over Northwest Arkansas.

    Evaluators across the organization have been impressed, with one noting that De Paula possesses the Dodgers’ best pure hit tool since Corey Seager.

    Heyward Praises De Paula’s Swing and Approach

    De Paula has spent time working with special advisor Jason Heyward, who raved about the youngster’s swing and overall approach.

    “It’s definitely something that’s fun to watch,” Heyward said in a recent interview with The Athletic. “It’s much easier said than done, what he’s able to do in the box, maintain his tempo. He goes at the pace he would like to go at, and that allows him to make good decisions, whether it’s chasing very rarely and on pitches that are in the zone, getting the kind of swing off that he wants to get off. That’s the name of the game.”

    Dodgers Extend Win Streak, Near Playoff Clincher

    With Wednesday’s victory, Los Angeles (89‑57) has won seven straight games. The Dodgers extended their lead to four games over the Atlanta Braves for the second seed in the National League playoff standings and can clinch a postseason berth as early as Saturday. Their magic number to clinch the National League West stands at six.

  • Dodgers Call Up Josue De Paula

    Dodgers Call Up Josue De Paula

    The Los Angeles Dodgers officially placed superstar Shohei Ohtani on the injured list Wednesday, a move the organization had been considering for over a week. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision following the team’s 14-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

    Ohtani Sidelined by Dual Injuries

    The two-way phenom is dealing with lingering issues in his left knee and right biceps. The placement on the IL opens a roster spot and signals a shift in the Dodgers’ lineup as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

    Top Prospect Josue De Paula Expected to Debut

    In a corresponding move, highly touted outfield prospect Josue De Paula is expected to join the active roster on Friday when Los Angeles opens a weekend series against the Miami Marlins. The 21-year-old is not currently on the 40-man roster, meaning the front office will need to make an additional transaction to accommodate his promotion.

    Dominican Republic Signing Develops into Elite Hitting Prospect

    Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2022, De Paula has rapidly ascended through the minor league system. MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the organization’s most advanced hitting prospect since Corey Seager.

    Offensive Profile Draws Yordan Alvarez Comparisons

    Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, De Paula has drawn comparisons to a smaller, more athletic version of American League MVP candidate Yordan Alvarez. Scouts highlight his tremendous raw power combined with an advanced plate discipline that yields excellent pitch selection.

    Dominant Double-A Season Forces Promotion

    De Paula’s production at Double-A Tulsa this season made the call-up inevitable. In 588 plate appearances in the Texas League, he posted a .303/.401/.547 slash line with 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. He added to those totals Wednesday, launching a solo home run in the first inning of the Drillers’ 10-1 win over the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

  • Aaron Judge Hits First Home Run Since Returning from Injured List

    Aaron Judge Hits First Home Run Since Returning from Injured List

    MINNEAPOLIS — Aaron Judge ended his home run drought in emphatic fashion Monday night, launching a three-run blast in the eighth inning to power the New York Yankees to an 8-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

    Judge Breaks Through After IL Return

    The long ball marked Judge’s first home run since returning from the injured list on Sept. 8. The Yankees captain had missed three months while recovering from a stress fracture in his right ribcage. In six games and 21 at-bats since his activation, Judge entered Monday’s contest hitting just .176 (3-for-17) with nine strikeouts and a walk.

    Vintage Power Display Against Minter

    The breakthrough came against Braves reliever A.J. Minter. After starting the night 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and a double-play grounder, Judge turned on a 2-2 cutter and deposited it deep into the second deck. The three-run shot extended New York’s lead to 7-2 and showcased the classic Judge power profile.

    According to Statcast data, the home run carried 397 feet with a 36-degree launch angle — a textbook moonshot that left the bat at elite exit velocity.

    Yankees Offense Supports Strong Outing

    The win improves New York’s position as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. Judge’s return to form provides a significant boost for a lineup that has awaited his full integration back into the heart of the order.

  • Reynaldo López to go on injured list after short start in Braves loss

    Reynaldo López to go on injured list after short start in Braves loss

    Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss announced after Monday night’s 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs that starting pitcher Reynaldo López will be placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort. The move comes with just 11 regular-season games remaining as Atlanta works to protect a 4½-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

    López’s Injury History and Recent Struggles

    López was chased during the third inning after allowing five runs and six hits over three innings. The right-hander has posted a 4.54 ERA across 79⅓ innings this season. His arm began bothering him during the final two months of the 2024 season, and he made just one start before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in 2025.

    Weiss explained the decision to sideline López, citing inconsistent physical feelings throughout the campaign.

    “He said he’s had some good days and bad days throughout the year,” Weiss said. “Sometimes he hasn’t felt it at all, and then sometimes he does. So we’ve got to change course here.”

    López described the sensation as discomfort rather than sharp pain.

    “It’s not really pain so much,” López said. “It’s just something that doesn’t feel great.”

    Rotation Depth Tested Again

    The Braves’ starting pitching depth has been a recurring concern dating back to the offseason. Spring Training losses of Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, followed by Spencer Strider’s season-ending elbow injury in June, intensified the need for reinforcement ahead of the Trade Deadline.

    With López now sidelined, only Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, and Martín Pérez remain as established starters expected to factor into postseason plans. Weiss acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in internal options.

    “Luckily we have options,” Weiss said. “We have guys stretched out. We have some guys we can go to.”

    Ritchie and Smith-Shawver Step Up

    Weiss confirmed that right-hander JR Ritchie will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Cubs. AJ Smith-Shawver, who pitched five innings of relief in Monday’s loss, also enters the mix as a potential multi-inning option or spot starter.

    Smith-Shawver entered in the fourth inning and retired eight of the first nine batters he faced, including seven consecutive outs before Carson Kelly’s single preceded Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-run homer in the sixth. The 23-year-old allowed four hits, walked three, and struck out two over five innings.

    “AJ did exactly what we needed him to do,” Weiss said. “He covered the rest of the game and did it competitively.”

    Smith-Shawver’s Role Evolution

    After returning from Tommy John surgery in late July, Smith-Shawver posted a 7.71 ERA in five starts, removing him from postseason rotation consideration. The Braves shifted him to the bullpen this week to evaluate his fit as a multi-inning reliever, though he may now be needed for at least one start before the regular season concludes.

    The young right-hander embraced the role change.

    “The way some of my starts have been going, I think it’s good to just get a little different feel, a little different look at it,” Smith-Shawver said. “I was happy with it. I’ve done it before, so I’m comfortable with it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to try to put the team in a good position and just try to win games.”

    Postseason Implications

    As Atlanta navigates its final 11 games, the organization must balance immediate rotation needs with October preparation. Smith-Shawver’s emergence as a viable bullpen weapon adds flexibility, while Ritchie’s debut represents the next test of the club’s farm system depth. The Braves’ ability to weather yet another pitching setback will likely determine whether they secure the NL East crown and enter the playoffs with a rested, aligned staff.