Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Shohei Ohtani going on the 15-day injured list created an opportunity for Josue De Paula, and now that the Los Angeles Dodgers have their designated hitter back, there wasn’t a role for the organization’s top prospect.
As a result, the Dodgers optioned De Paula to Triple-A Oklahoma City. De Paula’s opportunities with the club figured to be further reduced once Dalton Rushing is activated for his audition to be the Dodgers’ left-handed bat off the bench in the playoffs.
‘Easy conversation’ with Josue De Paula
On the surface, the Dodgers removing De Paula from their roster came as a mild surprise considering his immediate success and infusion of energy. But manager Dave Roberts painted a much different picture.
“This was actually an easier conversation than you guys would probably expect given how well he’s performed,” Roberts said. “It’s one of those things that this was the original thought, once Shohei gets back we were going to send him out. We had a runway to give him, which we gave him and he performed more than admirably.
“I think also as far as the timing, it gives us an opportunity to potentially have him back for the postseason. He’s a part of the conversation, and he’s earned that. That’s what I told him [Tuesday] night.
“We have some other guys that we need to play that we’ve got to put eyes on, and to be quite frank, there’s just not a lot of at-bats to go around now that Shohei is back. Still have to get Miggy (Rojas) some at-bats, Kiké (Hernández), some other guys too.
“He’s going to be playing tonight in Vegas for the Triple-A team, so just to keep him current was the whole thought.”
Another benefit to the Dodgers sending De Paula to the Minors on Wednesday rather than waiting for him to possibly be the corresponding move for Rushing, is now the rookie will be eligible to get recalled in time to be included on the playoff roster for the National League Division Series.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Roberts both acknowledged De Paula far and away exceeded expectations and put himself into consideration for the postseason roster.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
