Dodgers Considering Unlikely Trio for Playoff Roster

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for their postseason run, manager Dave Roberts has indicated that both Josue De Paula and Hyeseong Kim will participate in the team's pre-National League Division Series workouts. Both players are under consideration for the final playoff roster.

De Paula's chances have been on the rise in recent weeks. Despite being optioned to the minors following an 11-game major league debut, the 21-year-old outfielder showed enough promise to potentially secure a left-handed bench bat role, seemingly ahead of Dalton Rushing. De Paula was called up directly from double-A for his debut.

Kim, a 27-year-old infielder, has re-emerged as a surprise candidate despite spending most of the season in triple-A. While his offensive production at both the major and minor league levels has been inconsistent, Kim possesses notable speed and infield defensive capabilities, particularly at second base. Roberts highlighted Kim's value as a potential pinch-runner in close games.

Last postseason, Kim served a similar role, contributing as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute. He played a key role in the Dodgers clinching the NLDS and later entered as a substitute at second base in the deciding Game 7 of the World Series. If he makes the roster again, his role would likely be analogous, focused on speed and defense.

The Dodgers face roster decisions beyond De Paula and Kim. Shohei Ohtani's health remains a key concern, as does the order of the starting rotation and the bullpen hierarchy. Pitcher Edgardo Henriquez is expected to be available for the NLDS despite a recent back injury.

The team will have until the start of the NLDS next Saturday to finalize their roster decisions, with De Paula and Kim remaining in the discussion.