With the Los Angeles Dodgers preparing for the playoffs right around the corner, the team is going to want any form of positive momentum in the lineup, with the latest player to show their talents being rookie Josue De Paula. As De Paula has impressed with the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts explains the decision to make him the leadoff batter in Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Speaking to the media before the outing on Tuesday, Roberts said that making the 21-year-old the leadoff hitter is a “good opportunity to get five at-bats.” Plus, Roberts expressed that this is in some ways a “trial run” for De Paula to be considered an option heading into the postseason.

“I like the at-bats. I like the at-bat quality,” Roberts said. “You know, I understand it's a small sample, but that's kind of who he is as a hitter. And, you know, for me, it'll be a good opportunity for him to get five at-bats tonight.”

“Yeah, it should be,” Roberts continued, if he's keeping De Paula in consideration as an option off the bench and in October. “This was more of a trial run, no promises, just obviously having Shohei down, giving a guy that's performed well an opportunity, and then you just sort of see where it takes us. So I think right now that's kind of where we're at, and and take it day to day.”

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De Paula is in the spot that Shohei Ohtani has been in for a lot of the season, as he's only played in four games, recording a .222 batting average with one home run and three RBIs.