The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched the National League West, and right now, the only thing they can think about is getting Shohei Ohtani back for the playoff stretch.
Ohtani was placed on the IL on Sep. 8, and there was hope he would be activated sometime during the series against the San Diego Padres, which began on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Ohtani was activated, with star prospect Josue De Paula being sent down to Triple-A, according to the team’s transaction log.
Per MLB transaction log:
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 23, 2026
Shohei Ohtani has been officially activated, and Josue De Paula was optioned
Prior to the activation, Dodgers insider David Vassegh gave a big update on how Ohtani is feeling right now.
“Shohei Ohtani is feeling his best physically in weeks,” he said while speaking to MLB Now.
"Shohei Ohtani is feeling his best physically in weeks."@THEREAL_DV shares insight into Ohtani's potential return to the lineup tonight. pic.twitter.com/1EiwRw5zzS
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) September 23, 2026
Ohtani is expected to be in the starting lineup on Wednesday, so it’s a sigh of relief for the Dodgers as they have already secured their spot as the NL West champions once again.
As for De Paula, Katie Woo of The Athletic reported that he is “in play” to be a part of the postseason roster when the playoffs begin.
