Photo via Yahoo Sports

NLDS notes: Josue De Paula, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman

As the Los Angeles Dodgers utilize their first-round playoff bye to finalize their postseason roster, young outfielder Josue De Paula is drawing attention for his potential utility in October. Having previously impressed at the plate while filling in for Shohei Ohtani earlier in the year, De Paula could see limited action primarily as a pinch hitter due to his minimal big-league defensive experience.

Meanwhile, Ohtani is using the layoff to refine his swing following a September return from injury, with club leadership expressing confidence in his physical condition ahead of the National League Division Series. First baseman Freddie Freeman is also working to regain his offensive rhythm after battling patellar tendonitis in his right knee during the latter half of the regular season, expressing optimism about his physical recovery and mechanics before the series opener on Saturday.

Up nextMLB· 43m ago

Mariners News: Michael Toglia, Shohei Ohtani, and Cade Smith