Biggest storylines ahead of Dodgers' postseason run

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The Dodgers may not have the most challenging schedule in September, but each series they play could bring developments with implications that go beyond the regular season. Next up: Miami.

With the Dodgers closing in on a postseason berth and gearing up for the debut of top prospect Josue De Paula, this weekend's three-game set at loanDepot park should have plenty of intrigue. Here are three things to watch:

1. Champagne on ice

The Dodgers could clinch their 14th consecutive postseason berth as early as this weekend. They're also not far off from winning their 13th NL West title in the past 14 seasons, as their magic number is six after Wednesday's action.

For the past several years, the Dodgers have not held a full-fledged clubhouse celebration after punching their ticket to the postseason, instead opting for a more understated champagne toast. They reserve spraying champagne for the bigger clinches.

If the Dodgers keep up their winning ways of late, there is a scenario where they secure both their place in the postseason and the division crown this weekend in Miami. But if not, the NL West is well within their reach by the end of the road trip.

2. De Paula's debut

For the past week, Shohei Ohtani's health has dominated the conversation around the Dodgers. After he missed six of their past seven games due to lingering left knee and right biceps issues, manager Dave Roberts announced that he would be placed on the 15-day injured list. To fill his spot on the active roster, De Paula is being called up from Double-A Tulsa to make his big league debut on Friday.

De Paula, 21, is MLB Pipeline's No. 6 overall prospect. Considered the most advanced young hitter the Dodgers' organization has had in years, De Paula slashed .303/.401/.547 with 27 home runs, 104 RBIs and 106 runs scored for Tulsa. L.A. will need to add him to the 40-man roster.

With Ohtani out, De Paula will get the lion's share of at-bats at DH. He could also see some time in the corner-outfield spots, although defense is one of the biggest question marks in his game. If De Paula hits the ground running in his first taste of big league action, he may be able to carve out a role on the postseason roster.

3. Freeman's status

Freddie Freeman has been dealing with soreness in his right knee, leading the Dodgers to leave him out of the lineup on Wednesday night. In total, he got two days off and a rare start at DH in order to get him off his feet last homestand.

After Thursday's team off-day, Freeman could return to the lineup on Friday in Miami. The Dodgers are also considering resting him for an additional game, giving him three straight days off in order to keep him fresh with the postseason fast approaching.

One of L.A.'s most consistent hitters all season, Freeman has slumped to start September, going 3-for-22 with only one extra-base hit. He has hit one home run in his last 53 games. Roberts said there was no one incident that caused Freeman's knee soreness, but he believes it has impacted his performance at the plate lately. Given that the Dodgers are already without Ohtani, they will need Freeman feeling good in order to help stabilize the lineup.