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Rookie Josue De Paula Delivers Go‑Ahead Double as He Presses Case for Dodgers’ Postseason Roster

A strong first week has forced the Dodgers to weigh his lefty bat at the plate against defensive shortcomings, 40‑man roster rules, potential postseason inclusion

Overview

  • De Paula was called up after Shohei Ohtani went on the injured list and in his first week he homered in Miami and delivered a go‑ahead RBI double in his Dodger Stadium debut on Friday.
  • Across eight major‑league games he has five hits, five RBIs, eight walks, two strikeouts and a .924 OPS, a small sample that has nonetheless highlighted his strike‑zone control and plate discipline.
  • Manager Dave Roberts and teammates including Mookie Betts have praised his mature at‑bats and said he is 'in the mix' for a bench role in October.
  • De Paula publicly acknowledged his outfield defense needs work and vowed to improve, and the Dodgers must still resolve procedural questions about his 40‑man postseason eligibility before a final roster decision can be made.
  • The direct promotion from Double‑A is rare in the Dodgers’ organization and his early popularity — driven by his Brooklyn/Dominican background, three walk‑up songs and a viral high‑five with Shohei Ohtani — could shape how the club uses him late in the season.