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Dodgers Place Ohtani on Injured List, Move Lauer to 60-Day IL, Call-Up Prospect De Paula
The Los Angeles Dodgers officially placed designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani on the 15‑day injured list on Friday, September 10, 2026. The move, retroactive to September 8, was made to accommodate a right biceps inflammation diagnosis and to free a spot on the 40‑man roster. In the same transaction, the Dodgers transferred pitcher Eric Lauer from the 15‑day injured list to the 60‑day injured list, effectively ending his 2026 season. The roster spot vacated by Lauer was filled by 21‑year‑old outfielder Josue De Paula, who was promoted from Double‑A Tulsa and made his Major League debut in the Dodgers’ series against the Miami Marlins.
Ohtani’s injury was described by the Dodgers as “biceps inflammation” and the team noted that his left knee was still sore. The club said the player will be shut down from hitting through the weekend while the medical staff evaluates his arm and knee. Ohtani’s return is tentatively targeted for September 23, the earliest date he would be eligible to rejoin the lineup after the 15‑day IL stint.
Lauer, who had posted a 3.78 earned run average in his first 13 appearances for the Dodgers, was placed on the 15‑day injured list on September 2 with elbow inflammation. A subsequent three‑inning outing in which he surrendered seven runs prompted the move to the 60‑day injured list on Friday. The Dodgers’ official announcement stated that Lauer will not be eligible for activation until after the World Series, effectively ending his season.
The roster shuffle required the Dodgers to clear a 40‑man roster spot. The organization announced that De Paula would fill the vacancy. The 21‑year‑old, who was selected in the 2024 MLB draft, had been performing well in Double‑A and was expected to contribute immediately. The Dodgers’ front office confirmed the promotion as part of the routine roster management following Ohtani’s IL placement.
The Dodgers retain depth in the pitching department. Roki Sasaki, who has been recovering from a finger blister, is projected to return to the rotation as early as Sunday. Edwin Díaz and Kris Bubic are also on the mend; Díaz is scheduled for a minor‑league rehab outing in Triple‑A before being optioned to the majors, according to the team’s statements. The organization emphasized that the loss of Lauer does not significantly impact the pitching staff.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, saying, “We’re taking the steps that are best for the player and the team. Ohtani’s health is a priority, and we’ll keep evaluating him in the coming days.” Roberts also noted that the Dodgers are focusing on roster flexibility as the season winds down.
The Dodgers’ decision to place Ohtani on the injured list and move Lauer to the 60‑day IL has implications for the remainder of the regular season and the postseason. Ohtani’s absence will affect the lineup’s power potential, while Lauer’s season ending means the Dodgers will rely on their remaining pitching options. With the World Series scheduled to conclude by Halloween, Lauer’s 60‑day designation ensures he will not be available for postseason play.
As the Dodgers finish the regular season, the organization will monitor Ohtani’s recovery and determine his readiness for the September 23 return. The team’s depth in pitching and outfield positions, including the recent promotion of De Paula, positions the Dodgers to navigate the final stretch without significant disruption. The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff remain focused on maintaining roster flexibility while managing player health as the season concludes.
Ohtani’s injury was described by the Dodgers as “biceps inflammation” and the team noted that his left knee was still sore. The club said the player will be shut down from hitting through the weekend while the medical staff evaluates his arm and knee. Ohtani’s return is tentatively targeted for September 23, the earliest date he would be eligible to rejoin the lineup after the 15‑day IL stint.
Lauer, who had posted a 3.78 earned run average in his first 13 appearances for the Dodgers, was placed on the 15‑day injured list on September 2 with elbow inflammation. A subsequent three‑inning outing in which he surrendered seven runs prompted the move to the 60‑day injured list on Friday. The Dodgers’ official announcement stated that Lauer will not be eligible for activation until after the World Series, effectively ending his season.
The roster shuffle required the Dodgers to clear a 40‑man roster spot. The organization announced that De Paula would fill the vacancy. The 21‑year‑old, who was selected in the 2024 MLB draft, had been performing well in Double‑A and was expected to contribute immediately. The Dodgers’ front office confirmed the promotion as part of the routine roster management following Ohtani’s IL placement.
The Dodgers retain depth in the pitching department. Roki Sasaki, who has been recovering from a finger blister, is projected to return to the rotation as early as Sunday. Edwin Díaz and Kris Bubic are also on the mend; Díaz is scheduled for a minor‑league rehab outing in Triple‑A before being optioned to the majors, according to the team’s statements. The organization emphasized that the loss of Lauer does not significantly impact the pitching staff.
Manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, saying, “We’re taking the steps that are best for the player and the team. Ohtani’s health is a priority, and we’ll keep evaluating him in the coming days.” Roberts also noted that the Dodgers are focusing on roster flexibility as the season winds down.
The Dodgers’ decision to place Ohtani on the injured list and move Lauer to the 60‑day IL has implications for the remainder of the regular season and the postseason. Ohtani’s absence will affect the lineup’s power potential, while Lauer’s season ending means the Dodgers will rely on their remaining pitching options. With the World Series scheduled to conclude by Halloween, Lauer’s 60‑day designation ensures he will not be available for postseason play.
As the Dodgers finish the regular season, the organization will monitor Ohtani’s recovery and determine his readiness for the September 23 return. The team’s depth in pitching and outfield positions, including the recent promotion of De Paula, positions the Dodgers to navigate the final stretch without significant disruption. The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff remain focused on maintaining roster flexibility while managing player health as the season concludes.
