The Los Angeles Dodgers activated two-way star Shohei Ohtani from the 15-day injured list prior to Wednesday’s home game against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani is in the lineup as the designated hitter and batting second behind Mookie Betts against Padres left-hander Robbie Ray.
Ohtani was on the injured list due to left knee and right biceps injuries. He also has been dealing with neck soreness.
Ohtani last played for the Dodgers on Sept. 7 and he hasn’t homered or driven in a run in his past 13 appearances. He was 6-for-49 (.122) with 21 strikeouts during the span.
A four-time MVP, Ohtani has 30 homers and 80 RBIs in 130 games this season. The six-time All-Star is hitting .277 with a .380 on-base percentage and .522 slugging percentage.
In 14 starts as a pitcher, Ohtani has an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings. He last pitched on July 3 and isn’t expected to take the mound again this season.
The Dodgers optioned rookie outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. The club’s top prospect is batting .323 with one homer and seven RBIs in 11 games with Los Angeles.
