The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently determining their postseason roster, specifically weighing the utility of Dalton Rushing against the recent success of Josue De Paula. Manager Dave Roberts intends to activate Rushing this week to evaluate his readiness for a left-handed bench role before the October playoffs begin.
The .974 OPS hurdle for Dalton Rushing
The competition for the final left-handed bench spot has become a clash between raw potential and current momentum. josue De Paula has emerged as a formidable candidate after filling in as the designated hitter during Shohei Ohtani's absence,posting a .974 OPS over 10 games, which includes a three-run home run for his first major-league hit. As reported by the source, manager Dave Roberts is prioritizing the ability to swing at strikes and maintain consistency—areas where De Paula has excelled recently.
Dalton Rushing faces a steeper climb due to a limited window of opportunity. Having missed significant time over the last seven weeks,Rushing may only have three games to prove his value before the postseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers are particularly concerned with the difficulty of hitting off the bench , where reserves often face a single high-leverage plate appearance against elite reelief pitching rather than the steady rhythm of a starting lineup.
Forearm flexor strains and the 2027 timeline
Rushing's availability is complicated by a complex medical history involving his right elbow. While early reports suggested a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear, Rushing and the Los Angeles Dodgers have determined that the tear has remained stable since 2022 and is not the primary cause of his current pain. Instead, the source notes that the discomfort stems from a forearm flexor strain that was aggravated during a throwing program earlier this month.
To avoid surgery, Rushing received a platelet-loaded plasma injection and has focused on batting practice, though he has stopped throwing entirely to facilitate recovery. This limitation means that if Rushing makes the October roster, his role will be strictly offensive. Looking further ahead, Rushing has indicated he is adjusting his training and daily routines to ensure he can handle a full 162-game schedule across multiple positions, including catcher and first base, by 2027.
Blake Snell's Saturday return against the Giants
Beyond the bench battle, the Los Angeles Dodgers are stabilizing their pitching and depth. Blake Snell, who previously left a start early due to left groin discomfort, has completed a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium. According to the report, Dave Roberts expects Snell to start this Saturday in San Francisco against the Giants.
The club has also bolstered its active roster by activating Roki Sasaki and Andy Pages from the injured list on Tuesday. Additionally , the team is monitoring Emmet Sheehan, who has shown strong form across six outings between Triple-A and the majors, recording 48 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings. These reinforcements provide the Los Angeles Dodgers with more flexibility as they aim to secure a direct path to the National League Division Series on October 3, avoiding the wild card round on September 29.
A fourth potential clash with the San Diego Padres
The urgency of these roster decisions is heightened by the looming possibility of another showdown with the San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Padres have a recent history of intense postseason friction, having met in the division series in 2020, 2022, and 2024. The outcome of the current roster shuffle will determine how the Dodgers match up against San Diego's bullpen in a high-stakes October environment.
This pattern of divisional rivalry underscores why Dave Roberts is so cautious about the "bench bat" role. In previous series against the Padres, the ability to pinch-hit effectively has often been the difference between advancing and elimination, making the choice between De Paula's current form and Rushing's ceiling a pivotal strategic decision.
Will Klein's September 30 eligibility window
One remaining variable is the status of reliever Will Klein, who is currently on the 60-day injured list with elbow discomfort. Because of the timing of his injury, Klein cannot be activated until September 30 at the earliest. The Los Angeles Dodgers may attempt to keep him in a "stay-hot" capacity, potentially adding him later in the postseason via a petition to the commissioner's office.
The team is drawing on a 2025 precedent where Klein was not active until the World Series but still contributed five scoreless innings.. However , it remains unverified whether the commissioner's office will grant similar eligibility for the current postseason, leaving a critical question mark over the Dodgers' late-game relief depth.
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