​Shohei Ohtani – LA Dodgers | © ImagnThe LA Dodgers have officially placed two-way star Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day IL as his injury problems intensify. Ohtani has missed six of the last seven games because of ongoing neck and bicep strain. After returning for the series opener against the Reds following four games off, he sat out the final two games of that series.The team had no choice but to place their key player on the IL amid growing concerns about his postseason availability, with only 16 regular-season games remaining. The four-time MVP has also been sidelined from pitching because of persistent soreness in his left knee, and his last mound appearance was on July 3 against the Padres.Fans were quick to share their reactions to the breaking news on social media, with many slamming the ball club for delaying the decision that should have been made earlier.“Way too late of a move, but alas, better late than never 👍 let him heal,” one fan commented.“Shohei Ohtani is kind of the most important hitter in the entire Dodgers lineup, so I’m not really sure what their game plan has been with managing him these last few weeks. Really don’t understand the logic; it should’ve happened weeks ago,” another fan commented.Replacing the injured Ohtani on the active roster, LA is calling up top prospect Josue De Paula after initial reports were confirmed by skipper Dave Roberts on Wednesday.Dodgers Skipper Said It Is The Right Move For Shohei OhtaniSpeaking to the media and reflecting on the organization’s decision to place Ohtani on a 15-day IL, Roberts stated that it was the best choice given the circumstances and expressed hope that the Japanese star can flourish come October baseball.“It’s the right thing to do; we tried to kick the bucket as much as we could. Disappointed in the sense that he wants to play but he realizes it’s the best thing for him so he can be the player we all want him to be in October,” Roberts said.LA is 89-57 for the season, in pole position to take the division title once again. They hold the second-best record in the National League, two games behind the Brewers and four ahead of the Braves, as the fight for the top two places in the NL intensifies.Also read:“Surprises Me Hearing Aaron Judge Say This”: Ex-MLB Pro Gives Blunt Take on Yankees Captain’s Comments After Early Exit Vs Rockies“Should Be Banned” – MLB Fans Slam Reporter After His ‘Awkward’ Question To George Lombard Jr. After Yankees Call Up Anthony VolpeCollege Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!