Dodgers Announce NLDS Roster, Including De Paula and Kim

The Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized their 26-man roster for the National League Division Series (NLDS) matchup against the Atlanta Braves, announcing the active players hours before their playoff opener on Saturday afternoon.

The roster includes all the prominent names expected for the series, such as Game 1 starter Tarik Skubal, and stars Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, who is managing a less-than-100% condition.

Among the notable inclusions are rookie slugger Josue De Paula and speed specialist Hyeseong Kim, both considered fringe roster candidates. Previously injured reliever Edgardo Henriquez is also active on the roster, as anticipated, despite a recent back strain that caused him to miss the final weeks of the regular season.

Players who did not make the cut include left-handed pitchers Justin Wrobleski and Jack Dreyer, outfielder Alex Call, and catcher Dalton Rushing. Rushing was sidelined by an elbow injury that would have limited him to hitting only, and De Paula's inclusion for the left-handed bench bat role ultimately edged him out.

As anticipated by manager Dave Roberts, the team opted for a 14-position player and 12-pitcher split for the best-of-five series. The Dodgers are aiming to advance past the Braves and continue their pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.

The full 26-man roster is as follows:

Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Josue De Paula

Catcher: Will Smith, Hunter Feduccia

Infield: Freddie Freeman, Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim

Outfield: Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Kyle Tucker, Kiké Hernández

Starters: Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow

Right-handed reliever: Roki Sasaki, Evan Phillips, Brock Stewart, Edgardo Henriquez

Left-handed reliever: Alex Vesia, Tanner Scott, Kris Bubic