The Los Angeles Dodgers activated designated hitter Shohei Ohtani off the injured list on Wednesday and optioned outfielder Josue De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move, per Katie Woo of The Athletic. ESPN reported that Ohtani is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.
Ohtani has been sidelined since September 8 with right biceps inflammation. True Blue LA reported that his activation came on his first day eligible to return after the mandatory 15-day minimum on the injured list. De Paula, described by Yahoo Sports as a "red-hot rookie," is still being considered as a candidate for the postseason roster despite the demotion. Yahoo Sports noted that De Paula is eligible to return on October 3, which coincides with Game 1 of the NLDS.