LOS ANGELES -- Prior to Tuesday’s 3 p.m. PT deadline, the Dodgers protected catcher Diego Cartaya, infielder Michael Busch and outfielders Andy Pages and Jonny DeLuca from next month's Rule 5 Draft by adding them to the club's 40-man roster.

Of the group, the headliner is Cartaya, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect. The 21-year-old hasn’t played above the High-A level, but most evaluators believe his offense will be big league ready by the end of next season. Cartaya hit 22 homers and posted an .892 OPS between Single-A and High-A in 2022.

Busch and Pages also had strong seasons in the Minors. Busch, the Dodgers’ No. 4 prospect hit 21 homers and posted an .823 OPS in 444 at-bats with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2022. The challenge with Busch has been finding a defensive position.

Pages, on the other hand, has a pretty defined role in the outfield and in the batter’s box. The Cuban outfielder is developing into one of the most feared hitters in the Minors. The Dodgers' No. 5 prospect had a strong showing during the Arizona Fall League after hitting 26 homers with Double-A Tulsa as a 21-year-old.

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As for DeLuca, his addition was a bit of a surprise despite his solid production last year, hitting 25 homers between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa. The Dodgers love his athleticism and power, and if he continues to progress, he could see some time with the big league club by the end of next season.