The postseason is here, and the Los Angeles Dodgers are putting the finishing touches on their roster for the National League Division Series set to begin on Saturday. Reportedly, the team will carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers. Most of the roster spots are set in stone. However, there are a couple that are up for debate. Here are three players that need to be eligible options for the Dodgers' NLDS roster and give Los Angeles the best chance to advance to the next round.
Josue De Paula made the most of his major-league and Dodgers debut when he replaced a banged-up Shohei Ohtani for two weeks. He hit for an impressive batting average of .323, was on base for half of his plate appearances, and generally provided an offensive boost for a team that appeared in the doldrums upon his arrival. Known for his at-bat quality in his time at Double-A Tulsa, De Paula was able to replicate that forte while in Los Angeles. The Dodgers caused a mild firestorm on social media when they optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City last week.
Sep 13, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Josue de Paula (95) hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. The Dodgers sent down De Paula on Wednesday. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
However, his stay in the minors should be temporary, even if the rookie doesn't play the field. The Dodgers need to make their bench bats more lethal, and De Paula has proven that he rarely swings out of the strike zone and can hit for power and average. Even when he makes an out, he forces the opposing pitcher to make quality offerings and numerous pitches to boot. There should be no debate about this move.
Just a few weeks ago, there would have been no question of right-hander Edgardo Henríquez being a lock for the roster, but he has been on the injured list for the last week of the regular season due to a back issue. Prior to being sidelined, Henríquez was working his way up manager Dave Roberts ' trust tree. Yes, his fastball touches over 100 miles per hour, but the addition of his slider makes his stuff filthy, and he can induce the strikeout when needed. Perhaps more importantly, he has only given up one home run all season, and the postseason is characterized by impactful swings against superior pitching.
The Dodgers are hopeful that the right-hander is healthy enough to go this Saturday, as they have already activated him from the IL. If he passes his bullpen sessions without any setbacks, he will be on the roster. Los Angeles needs him to be OK, because Blake Treinen suffered a significant shoulder injury in the last series of the regular season. In addition, Will Klein , last year's unexpected World Series hero, has struggled with an elbow injury this year and is unlikely to be available. It appears that a healthy and effective Henríquez is essential to making the game shorter against the opposition.
Kris Bubic has had an abbreviated season, thanks to an injury. In fact, the Dodgers acquired Bubic at the trade deadline while he was still on the IL, betting that he would be ready for October. Since his return to the team , he has been nothing but effective. In his last five appearances, the left-hander has gone 4 2/3 innings, struck out five, and not allowed an earned run. With Justin Wrobleski not as effective as he was in the first half of the season, it's imperative that the Dodgers have Bubic as a fallback option.
The postseason is unpredictable. It's anyone's guess who's gonna step up in October. Who had Miguel Rojas hitting a game-tying home run in the ninth inning in Game Seven of the World Series last year for the Dodgers? Putting these three players on the Dodgers' NLDS roster gives Los Angeles the best opportunity to address depth, need, and flexibility as they attempt their own three-peat and pave the path to history all their own. Will they do it? We will find out–beginning Saturday.
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Main Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
