Could Josue De Paula be the unexpected answer for Los Angeles Dodgers after Shohei Ohtani’s injury changed everything?

Josue De Paula thought he was heading to Triple-A when Eric Wedge told him he was getting called up. Instead, the Los Angeles Dodgers prospect learned he was going straight to the major leagues. The surprise became even bigger when Josue De Paula found out he would make his MLB debut as the designated hitter while Shohei Ohtani was sidelined. At only 21, Josue De Paula suddenly found himself with an important opportunity during the final days of the regular season. It was not the path he expected, but the Dodgers needed another bat, and Josue De Paula was ready to see what he could do.Josue De Paula became the unexpected Los Angeles Dodgers answer when Shohei Ohtani’s injury created a sudden openingThe reason Josue De Paula suddenly became an option for the Los Angeles Dodgers was Shohei Ohtani’s injury. The Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani on the injured list with right biceps inflammation, creating an opening at designated hitter during an important part of the season.But Josue De Paula did not know that opportunity was coming.The news arrived after Josue De Paula finished another strong performance with Double-A Tulsa. When Eric Wedge told him he was being promoted, Josue De Paula initially assumed the next stop would be Triple-A.His reaction showed just how unexpected the news was.“Literally, I was like, ‘What? Going up where?’” Josue De Paula said with a laugh.Eric Wedge quickly gave him the answer.“He’s like, ‘You’re going with the big dogs.’”Josue De Paula was stunned. A direct jump from Double-A to the major leagues was not what he had pictured, especially with the regular season nearly finished.“No way,” Josue De Paula thought.The timing made the moment even harder to believe. Josue De Paula had only four games remaining with his minor league club and was already thinking about finishing the season before heading home.“I always had it in the back of my mind that it could happen [this year],” Josue De Paula said. “But when it did happen, I wasn’t really expecting it because we only had four games to go in the season. So I was thinking four days, playoffs, then home.”Instead, Josue De Paula was heading to Miami for his first major league appearance.“To be honest, no,” Josue De Paula said when asked whether he had even considered getting called up directly from Double-A. “It took me off guard. But when it happened, I was so happy.”The sudden promotion gave Josue De Paula a chance to show the Los Angeles Dodgers what he could bring at the highest level.Shohei Ohtani’s absence gives Josue De Paula a chance to make his markShohei Ohtani’s absence became official when the Los Angeles Dodgers placed him on the injured list. The move was backdated to Tuesday, meaning Shohei Ohtani is not eligible to return until Sept. 23.That absence created an opening at designated hitter, and the Los Angeles Dodgers quickly turned to Josue De Paula.The plan was for Josue De Paula to receive three consecutive starts against the Miami Marlins. That gives the 21-year-old an immediate chance to adjust to major league pitching while helping a Dodgers lineup dealing with several important absences.Josue De Paula knows the opportunity is significant, but he does not appear interested in changing his entire approach simply because the competition has become tougher.“[I want to show them] just what I’m about,” Josue De Paula said. “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.”That approach could be valuable for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Josue De Paula is not being asked to become Shohei Ohtani overnight. Instead, the young prospect has a chance to provide another offensive option while showing whether his production in the minors can carry over to the major leagues.The Dodgers are also entering a crucial part of the season, making every at-bat more important. With Shohei Ohtani unavailable, the club needs other hitters to step forward and keep the lineup productive.For Josue De Paula, the opportunity arrived almost without warning. One moment, he was preparing to finish his Double-A season. Days later, he was standing in a major league lineup.The question now is whether Josue De Paula can turn an unexpected promotion into a lasting impression for the Los Angeles Dodgers.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.