Dodgers' Dave Roberts hints Josue De Paula and left-handed power bat could make NLDS roster

Dodgers’ Dave Roberts hints Josue De Paula and left-handed power bat could make NLDS roster originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers will have the entire week off before playing in the NLDS this weekend. The Dodgers were the second-best team in the National League with 100 wins, while the Milwaukee Brewers had 103 victories.

Over the weekend, the Dodgers were trying to determine which position player would earn one of the final spots on the postseason roster. Dalton Rushing got his opportunity to prove he deserves to be on the roster.

“Dodgers have activated Dalton Rushing from the Injured List for his three-day PH audition for the postseason roster. Alex Freeland goes to OKC,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

At the time, the battle was believed to be between Rushing and Josue De Paula, who was called up this month and made a strong impact for LA. De Paula has the advantage in the battle because he can also play in the outfield, while Rushing would be used more as a bat off the bench.

“Indeed, at this point, it would be a surprise if Rushing got the nod over De Paula for a postseason roster spot. While both represent potentially potent left-handed hitting options, De Paula possesses better speed (he stole 31 bases in double-A this year, then another during his initial MLB stint) and at least the capability of playing the outfield if needed,” California Post’s Jack Harris wrote.

However, it turns out that both could be making the postseason roster, at least for the NLDS. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned the possibility of using one more position player and one fewer pitcher because it is only a five-game series.

“In a short series, pitching — as far as the number of arms — is not as important. So could make room to carry an extra position player on NLDS roster,” Roberts said.

This would give the Dodgers two left-handed bats available to come off the bench if they decide to go this route. The only other possibility is that they add Hyeseong Kim to the roster for additional speed off the bench.

Still, LA can afford to carry extra bats, and that is something the Dodgers will have to consider. There might be no better way to audition for the NLCS postseason roster than by taking advantage of opportunities in the NLDS.

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