CINCINNATI –– Despite Freddie Freeman’s ongoing right knee injury, the veteran first baseman was back in the Dodgers‘ lineup on Tuesday.
And yet, that wasn’t the biggest surprise in the team’s new-look batting order.
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Instead, rookie designated hitter Josue De Paula got an auspicious bump up for the club, getting the chance to serve as leadoff hitter for Tuesday’s matchup against Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder.
Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Josue de Paula hits a double against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue de Paula reacts after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Miami. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
Tuesday only marked De Paula’s fifth game in the majors, following his call-up directly from double-A Tulsa last week.
He is still serving as DH on only a temporary basis, with Shohei Ohtani on the injured list nursing left knee and right arm injuries.
However, the 21-year-old top prospect has already made a positive impression, drawing five walks in his first 14 plate appearances while collecting his first two MLB hits on Sunday in Miami with a home run and a double. He is suddenly vying for a potential role in the postseason plans, as well.
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Thus, the Dodgers are giving the promising left-handed hitter another new opportunity now, seeing how he looks as the leadoff man in their batting order –– one that was also vacated once Ohtani went on the IL.
“I like the at-bats. I like the at-bat quality,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I understand it’s a small sample, but that’s kind of who he is as a hitter. For me, it’ll be a good opportunity for him to get five at-bats tonight.”
For Freeman, meanwhile, Tuesday marks an important opportunity in its own right, as he tries to show progress with his right knee injury.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman looks on from the dugout in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The Dodgers won, 4-1. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Freeman has been out for three of the Dodgers’ last five games because of the ailment, and only DH’d in the game before that.
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Since the start of September, he has gone only 3-for-30 at the plate.
Roberts continues to insist an injured list stint won’t be needed for the newly-turned 37-year-old. Both he and Freeman voiced hopes of the injury being resolved (or, at least, not as much of an impediment) by the time the playoffs begin.
“I don’t see him getting to his front side as much as he normally does, which causes him to get a little bit underneath,” Roberts said. “So I know that the hitting guys are on it. He’s working through it, so we’ll see how he comes in today.”
Until he starts to hit again, however, concerns over his health will linger.
On Tuesday, he is batting directly after De Paula in the No. 2 hole.
Dodgers, Freddie Freeman, Josue De Paula, Miami Marlins, knee injury, Dave Roberts, De Paula, batting order
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