Josue De Paula Poised for Postseason Role With Dodgers After Rapid Ascent
The young slugger impressed during his MLB debut and is likely to be active for the team's playoff run.
Josue De Paula is preparing for a potential role with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming playoffs, marking a significant step in his rapid development within the organization. Though the team has not yet officially announced its postseason roster, De Paula spent Thursday working out with his big-league teammates at Dodger Stadium ahead of the National League Division Series.
De Paula, 21, was called up directly from Double-A for his major league debut in September. During his 11-game stint in the majors, he showcased his talent, batting .323 with one home run, five extra-base hits, and seven RBIs. He also reached base safely in half of his 42 plate appearances, drawing praise from manager Dave Roberts.
"He's just a special hitter," Roberts stated last week. "[His skill set] lines up in the postseason. And no moment is going to be too big for that kid."
De Paula himself acknowledged the impact of his brief major league experience. "It's crazy," he said. "I mean, I've always had super confidence. But I feel like this just gave me a little feel to it. To have the success here that I'm having, I just want to keep it going, man."
While De Paula and Dalton Rushing are ostensibly competing for a left-handed-hitting spot on the bench for the NLDS, which begins Saturday, it would be surprising if De Paula is not active. His quick ascension included a brief return to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he helped the affiliate win the Pacific Coast League title with a key RBI double. He then rejoined the Dodgers for their final regular-season games.
De Paula's initial promotion to the majors was a surprise, and he noted that the plan was always for him to return to Triple-A eventually. "To be honest, when I first came up here, my original intention was never really to stay here," he said. "I just wanted to have fun and do what I know how to do, take advantage of the moment."
After helping Oklahoma City secure its championship, De Paula is now back with the major league club, ready for whatever role the Dodgers might have for him as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title. "We're here again," he remarked, looking around Dodger Stadium.