Dodgers evaluate left-handed hitting options for September roster expansion

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts plans to prioritize adding a left-handed bat to the active roster as Major League Baseball expands active squads this week. The team currently maintains a heavy left-handed hitting presence but seeks additional tactical flexibility for lineup construction against specific starters. Promoting a left-handed hitter would allow the club to manage the workload of right-handed outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who has faced difficulties against right-handed pitchers this season. Possible candidates for promotion include outfielder James Tibbs III, who has recorded 27 home runs and 96 RBIs in Triple-A, as well as outfielder Ryan Ward. The Dodgers face the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium beginning Tuesday. A final decision on the roster move coincides with the expected return of catcher Will Smith from the injured list.

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