Dodgers Bring Hyeseong Kim, Ronan Kopp Back For NLDS Workouts
The Dodgers are expanding the group available for their National League Division Series preparations, but their final postseason roster remains undecided.
Los Angeles brought infielder Hyeseong Kim and left-hander Ronan Kopp back from Triple-A as the team begins its bye-week workouts at Dodger Stadium.
Josue De Paula will also rejoin the club following Oklahoma City’s Triple-A National Championship victory.
The three additions give the Dodgers more options for workouts and roster evaluation before the NLDS begins Saturday. They should not be interpreted as confirmation that any of the three will be included on the 26-man roster.
Kim and De Paula appear to have the most realistic paths to an NLDS role. Kopp provides another left-handed arm during the team’s preparation period.
Kim Could Provide A Specialized Postseason Weapon
Kim’s clearest path onto the roster would not necessarily be through his bat.
He appeared in 43 games for the Dodgers this season, batting .259/.323/.328 with one home run and 11 RBIs. He also stole five bases in six attempts while providing defensive versatility around the middle of the field.
Kim can play second base and shortstop, with additional experience in center field and at third base.
The Dodgers are primarily considering what his speed could provide in a short postseason series.
Dave Roberts indicated that Kim would be the player Los Angeles could trust if it wanted to carry a dedicated pinch-running option. One stolen base or aggressive advance from first to third could become decisive in a close playoff game.
Kim would also give Dave Roberts another late-inning defensive replacement after entering as a runner.
The question is whether that specialized skill set provides more value than carrying another hitter.
Dodgers Could Create Room For An Additional Position Player
Los Angeles may carry only 12 pitchers during the best-of-five NLDS.
The Dodgers have four established starters in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, along with several pitchers capable of covering multiple innings out of the bullpen.
A shorter pitching staff would allow the Dodgers to carry an additional position player.
That could create enough room for both a left-handed offensive option and a player with Kim’s speed and defensive versatility.
If the Dodgers carry 13 pitchers, the competition for the final bench position becomes much tighter.
Kim would then be competing with players such as De Paula, Dalton Rushing, Alex Call and other possible bench options who offer different combinations of offense, speed and defense.
De Paula Remains Firmly In The Conversation
De Paula was optioned to Triple-A on September 23 when Ohtani returned from the injured list.
That move ended his first Major League stint, but it did not end his postseason candidacy.
The 21-year-old batted .323/.500/.581 with three doubles, one triple, one home run and seven RBIs across his first 42 Major League plate appearances. He also drew 11 walks while striking out only five times.
The Dodgers were impressed by the quality of his at-bats and the energy he brought to the lineup.
De Paula would provide something different from Kim. Rather than entering primarily as a runner or defensive replacement, he could become a left-handed pinch-hitting option against a difficult right-handed reliever.
His 10-day option period expires on October 3, the date of NLDS Game 1. Because he was not on the 40-man roster by the standard postseason eligibility deadline, the Dodgers would still need to use the applicable injury-replacement process to add him.
His presence during the workouts gives Los Angeles another opportunity to evaluate whether his bat is ready for that responsibility.
Kopp Gives Dodgers Another Left-Handed Workout Arm
Kopp’s addition should be viewed differently.
The 6-foot-7 left-hander is already on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster but has not made his Major League debut. He spent the season pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Kopp gives the Dodgers another left-handed pitcher for live batting practice, simulated games and other workout situations during the bye.
That could be particularly useful if Atlanta advances from the Wild Card Series.
Blue Dynasty contributor Austin Brubaker’s research showed that the Braves have struggled significantly against left-handed pitching, creating a potential reason for the Dodgers to carry at least three left-handed relievers in the NLDS.
Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia are expected to hold two of those roles. Kris Bubic, Jack Dreyer and Justin Wrobleski are among the more realistic candidates for any additional left-handed bullpen position.
Kopp’s presence does not mean he has moved ahead of those pitchers. For now, he provides the Dodgers with another arm as they prepare and evaluate their available options.
Final Decisions Depend On More Than Performance
The identity of the Dodgers’ opponent could influence the final roster.
A matchup with Atlanta may encourage Los Angeles to prioritize additional left-handed pitching because of the Braves’ offensive splits.
Philadelphia could create a different set of needs.
The Dodgers must also decide whether the final bench spot should be used on De Paula’s potential offensive impact, Kim’s speed and defense or a more traditional reserve.
Those decisions do not need to be made immediately.
For now, Kim, Kopp and De Paula will participate in the preparation process and give the Dodgers additional options during the bye.
None has officially secured an NLDS roster position.
The workouts over the next several days—and the outcome of the Phillies-Braves Wild Card Series—will help determine which skill sets Los Angeles values most when the postseason roster is finalized.