Dodgers Consider September Call-Ups to Boost Offense

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to improve their offense as they prepare for a nine-game homestand starting Tuesday. The team is expected to make significant roster changes, including the return of catcher Will Smith, who has been on the injured list for three months due to a neck injury. Additionally, the Dodgers will expand their roster from 26 to 28 players for September, creating opportunities for new call-ups from the minor leagues. Manager Dave Roberts has indicated a preference for adding a left-handed hitter to balance the current right-handed-heavy lineup. One candidate for promotion is James Tibbs III, a 23-year-old outfielder who has excelled in Triple-A, batting .295 with 27 home runs and 96 RBIs this season. Tibbs has been transitioning to left field and has shown improvement in his defensive skills. Other potential call-ups include Ryan Ward, Hyeseong Kim, and Alex Freeland, all of whom are already on the 40-man roster and have prior MLB experience. The Dodgers are also considering their options in center field and may call up an additional pitcher to bolster their bullpen. The team hopes these changes will help them recover from a disappointing August, where they finished with a 13-14 record.