Los Angeles Dodgers star prospect Josue De Paula told the media, including Dodgers Nation, that he was shocked to make the postseason roster.
De Paula had a great cup of coffee in the major leagues, playing with the team for two weeks while Shohei Ohtani was on the injured list.
Josue De Paula’s reaction to the postseason roster
He was sent down right after Ohtani was available to be activated, much to fans’ chagrin, but he has since earned a spot on the postseason roster as the No. 1 pinch hitter off the bench.
Even after his strong start, De Paula was surprised to get the chance, but he is working to make the most of it.
“I was kind of shocked. I was shocked. I was happy. It was a lot of emotions going on at the same time and a lot of thoughts going into it, like envisioning how this is going to go,” De Paula said.
“I’m just going along for the ride and see how everything comes at me.”
During his conversation with Dave Roberts, the Dodgers skipper congratulated De Paula and expressed his confidence in his abilities at the plate.
Why did the Dodgers choose De Paula?
In 11 big-league games, De Paula hit .323/.500/.545 with a 1.081 OPS. He had a calm plate approach and good vision for what pitches were coming at him.
He ended up fighting Dalton Rushing for the lefty pinch-hit spot, and while the catcher is a good hitter, especially for a catcher, his elbow injury leaves him unable to play defense.
As a pure hitter, De Paula has the tools and approach that translate better than Rushing, who can chase a bit too much.
Ohtani is the full-time designated hitter, but De Paula’s opportunity will come at some point in the postseason.
