Josue De Paula, a top prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, experienced a whirlwind of emotions when he learned he was being promoted directly to the major leagues from Double-A Tulsa. The 21-year-old outfielder was informed by his affiliate manager, Eric Wedge, that he was being called up, and his immediate question was whether it was to Triple-A or the majors.
"Literally, I was like, ‘What? Going up where?’" De Paula recounted with a laugh. "He’s like, ‘You’re going with the big dogs.’"
De Paula’s unexpected promotion came as a surprise, especially with only four games remaining in the regular season. He was preparing for a potential playoff run or heading home for the offseason, not for an immediate jump to the highest level of professional baseball.
"To be honest, no," he joked when asked if he had considered being called up straight from Double-A. "It took me off guard. But when it happened, I was so happy."
His major league debut was scheduled for Friday as the designated hitter against the Miami Marlins, filling in for Shohei Ohtani, who was officially placed on the injured list with right biceps inflammation. Ohtani's IL stint, backdated to Tuesday, means he will be ineligible to return until September 23.
De Paula is expected to receive regular playing time at the DH spot during Ohtani's absence, starting with three scheduled games against the Marlins over the weekend. He expressed his eagerness to showcase his abilities on the big league stage.
"Just what I’m about," De Paula said when asked what he wants to show the team. "Nothing I feel I really have to change, especially on the offensive side. Just do what I know how to do. At the end of the day, I love competing."
