Sun Oct 12 03:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

The Los Angeles Dodgers are preparing for the NLCS, planning to add a pitcher to their roster, likely at the expense of utility player Hyeseong Kim or outfielder Justin Dean. Veteran Enrique Hernandez, despite a back injury, is expected to continue starting in left field. Manager Dave Roberts believes four starting pitchers (Ohtani, Yamamoto, Snell, and Glasnow) will suffice for the series. The Dodgers are debating whether to keep a third catcher, Dalton Rushing, on the roster as insurance for Will Smith’s injured hand. They will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers.

**News Article:**

**Dodgers Strategize Pitching Boost for NLCS, Roster Decisions Loom**

**Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 2025** – As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the National League Championship Series, manager Dave Roberts has revealed plans to bolster the pitching staff, a move that will require trimming their position player roster. The Dodgers will face the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee, and roster decisions are impending.

Roberts told reporters Wednesday night that the team intends to carry at least one additional pitcher compared to their NLDS roster. This likely means either utility man Hyeseong Kim or outfielder Justin Dean will be left off the NLCS roster. Kim, a rookie from South Korea, has provided versatility, while Dean has primarily been a pinch-running specialist.

Veteran Enrique Hernandez, despite battling a back injury, is expected to continue in his starting role in left field. “He’s doing fine,” Roberts assured, adding that the time off before the NLCS will aid his recovery.

The Dodgers anticipate utilizing a four-man starting rotation of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow throughout the series. With Ohtani and Yamamoto needing extra rest, the Dodgers may consider adding another long relief option like Ben Casparius or Andrew Heaney.

The team is also weighing the importance of carrying a third catcher, Dalton Rushing, as insurance for Will Smith, who is playing through a hairline fracture in his throwing hand. Keeping Rushing would ensure the Dodgers have a viable backup should Smith need a game off.

The Dodgers are heading to Milwaukee for what promises to be a competitive NLCS matchup against the Brewers.

Read More