Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (32, Japan) has been placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) due to right arm discomfort.

The Dodgers announced the decision to place Ohtani on the injured list following the conclusion of their game against the Cincinnati Reds today (September 10).

Ohtani's roster spot will be filled by Josue De Paula (21), a top club outfield prospect currently playing in Double-A.

De Paula has recorded a batting average of 0.303, 27 home runs, 104 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases in Double-A this season.

This marks the first time in Dodgers history that a position player has been promoted directly from Double-A to the major leagues.

Ohtani has been managing discomfort in his right biceps and left knee over the past few weeks, and compounded by a neck issue, he missed four consecutive games.

He returned as the leadoff designated hitter in the game against Cincinnati on the 8th, going hitless with one walk and two strikeouts in three at-bats.

Ohtani felt an abnormality in his right arm while swinging during that game and reported it to the training staff after the game against Cincinnati on the 9th, which he missed.

He subsequently sat out the games on the 9th and 10th, meaning he has missed six of the team's last seven games.

Ohtani will not accompany the Dodgers on their seven-game road trip against Miami and Cincinnati starting from the 12th, but will instead remain in Los Angeles to rest for two to three days before resuming batting practice.

He is projected to return as early as the 23rd for a home game against the San Diego Padres.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated, "After discussing with Ohtani, the medical team, and the training staff, we decided this was the right decision."

He added, "If the postseason started tomorrow, Ohtani would be in the lineup," and expressed confidence, saying, "I am certain he will be ready to return by the 15th day."

As a pitcher this season, Ohtani has made 14 starts, posting an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings.

As a hitter, he has batted 0.277 (139 hits in 502 at-bats) with 30 home runs and 80 RBIs.

(Photo: Getty Images)