The Los Angeles Dodgers just dropped their 26-man NLDS roster, and they pulled a real head-scratcher, going with Josue De Paula and Hyeseong Kim over “more proven commodities” like Alex Call and Dalton Rushing. This isn’t just a slight adjustment, it’s a double-down on what they’re calling “upside swings.” For a team with their eyes on the prize, these are some seriously bold moves.
The Bat of Josue De Paula, Stuck in Neutral
We’re talking about Josue De Paula here, a dude who, in his 11 big league games, is absolutely mashing. He’s got a .323 batting average, a ridiculous .500 on-base percentage, and a .545 slugging, all adding up to a 1.081 OPS! He’s literally getting on base in half his plate appearances, making pitchers work for every single out. Honestly, with production like that, on any other team, his spot would be locked in, no questions asked.
But here’s the kicker: The Dodgers are only going to use him as a left-handed pinch hitter. That’s it! President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed they’ll deploy him as a designated hitter “for the foreseeable future.” The problem? Shohei Ohtani is their de facto DH. De Paula has played outfield in the minor leagues, but his defense apparently makes the Dodgers “hesitate” to use him out there. So, this on-base machine, this spark plug, this guy who could be insurance if Ohtani’s injuries flare up, is relegated to a bench role. You gotta wonder if they’re leaving some serious offense on the table with that decision.
Hyeseong Kim’s Speed is The Real Story
Then there’s Hyeseong Kim, a name we haven’t seen in the majors since May, when Mookie Betts was sidelined with an oblique injury. Since then, he’s been grinding it out with the Oklahoma City Comets in Triple-A, and frankly, he’s struggled to build any real offensive momentum there. Over 85 games, he hit .363 with a .330 on-base percentage (yeah, you read that right), a .345 slugging, three home runs, and 12 doubles. He did swipe 15 bases though.
So why the call-up? It’s all about versatility and speed. The Dodgers picked Kim for his ability to play both infield and outfield, his “strong bat-to-ball skills,” and that crucial speed that makes him a pinch-running threat. Andrew Friedman basically spelled it out for everyone, saying, “We have a lot of strengths on this team in my mind. Foot speed is not one.” It sounds like a desperation play for some wheels on the basepaths and a defensive utility knife. Kim might not start every game, but the Dodgers are clearly banking on his speed and defense to change the game’s trajectory in a tight spot.
Ultimately, these are two high-risk, high-reward choices for the NLDS. De Paula brings the thunder with his bat, and Kim brings the quickness and glove. Can these “upside swings” deliver when it matters most, or will passing on “more proven” guys come back to bite them? Game 1 of the NLDS is just around the corner, and we’ll see if these gambles pay off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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