Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

For the first time in the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have their full-strength lineup.

On Wednesday, the Dodgers activated Shohei Ohtani from the 15-day IL. He won’t be fully healthy during the postseason, but no player is healthy at this point in the season. The Dodgers think Ohtani isn’t injured. He has five games to get his swing right before the postseason. He had a single and sent a fly ball to the warning track in his first game back.

The Dodgers demoted Josue De Paula to Oklahoma City when they activated Ohtani. Since De Paula has performed outstandingly during his time in the major leagues, the media was surprised by the move, but the Dodgers don’t have consistent playing time for the 21-year-old, and De Paula is a defensive liability in the lineup.

Will De Paula be on the postseason roster?

No one knows. De Paula’s knowledge of the strike zone impressed everyone. He has enormous power. He has good speed, an important aspect during the postseason.

The Dodgers have serious competition for the 26^th man on the postseason roster. Alex Call, Alex Freeland, and Hyeseong Kim are in the mix. If Dalton Rushing can return to the active roster, he would be in the conversation.

Call gives the Dodgers a good defensive outfielder with an excellent eye for the strike zone. He is fast. He remains calm, no matter how serious the situation is. With Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas, the Dodgers don’t need another right-handed pinch hitter, and Call is a righty.

Freeland gives the Dodgers quality at-bats when they need it. He is a good defensive second baseman and shortstop. He can also play third base. He has limited power.

Kim hasn’t played in the major leagues since May. On Sunday, Dave Roberts confirmed that Kim is in the conversation though he has been inconsistent offensively. The Dodgers like his defense in the infield and the outfield. He has experience in the postseason as a pinch runner and can steal a base under pressure.

Rushing’s left-handed power is intriguing, but he is a one-dimensional player. With a torn UCL, he can’t play first base or catch.

I would go with De Paula or Kim. The Dodgers need a reserve outfielder other than Kiké Hernández.

On Tuesday, Andy Pages returned to the lineup, four weeks after breaking his left hand and having surgery. On Wednesday, he had three hits. His defense has been spectacular.

Since last Friday, Edwin Díaz has looked sharp and like what the Dodgers thought they were getting. He should be on the postseason roster.

On Tuesday, Roki Sasaki returned to the pitching staff. He pitched well in one inning. Roberts announced that Sasaki will be in the bullpen during the postseason. One or two innings is a reasonable expectation for Sasaki.

While the Dodgers lost to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, they should have a first-round bye in the postseason. The Dodgers look ready to compete for their third consecutive World Championship.