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De Paula's Surprise Stint: Dodgers' Dilemma Grows
28 Sep
Summary
- 21-year-old Josue De Paula exceeded expectations with an 11-game stint.
- He batted .323 with a 1.081 OPS, showing remarkable plate discipline.
- Jayson Heyward is helping De Paula improve his defense for potential outfield play.
Josue De Paula, a 21-year-old prospect, recently made an unexpected call-up to the Los Angeles Dodgers, exceeding initial expectations for his development. He was not anticipated to reach the major leagues until at least 2027, but an opportunity arose due to Shohei Ohtani's absence.
During his 11-game stint, De Paula impressed significantly, batting .323 with one home run, seven RBIs, and a remarkable 1.081 OPS. His plate approach was notably advanced for his age, marked by only five strikeouts and eleven walks.
De Paula's performance has presented the Dodgers with a challenging roster decision, particularly concerning a potential postseason spot. His defensive skills, previously considered a weakness, are being actively addressed with assistance from former player Jayson Heyward, who joined the Dodgers' front office in May.
De Paula has expressed his determination to improve his defense, viewing the criticism as motivation to silence doubters. The Dodgers may consider him for an outfield role in the postseason, making it unlikely he would be excluded from the roster after his impactful September call-up.
