Dodgers activate Shohei Ohtani, demote red-hot rookie Josue De Paula to Triple-A

That would be rookie slugger Josue De Paula, who was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a team whose season could end as soon as Wednesday. De Paula, the top prospect in the Dodgers' system and one of the best overall prospects in baseball, was originally promoted to replace Ohtani on the roster .

Ohtani will hit second in his first game back against the San Diego Padres , his first time not batting leadoff for the Dodgers since June 16, 2024. The red-hot Mookie Betts is filling the leadoff spot instead against Padres left-hander Robbie Ray .

De Paula, meanwhile, will be making his Triple-A debut as a starter for the Oklahoma City Comets in Game 2 of the PCL championship series.