From California Post · · 3m
Dodgers rookie Josue De Paula channels Juan Soto at the plate
The 21-year-old prospect is making waves with his plate discipline and power, drawing comparisons to the Mets superstar.
In brief
The 21-year-old prospect is making waves with his plate discipline and power, drawing comparisons to the Mets superstar. Josue De Paula is forcing his way into the Dodgers' postseason plans with elite plate discipline and power in his first week in the majors. Originally reported by California Post.
The Soto shuffle makes an appearance
In his fourth MLB game, Dodgers prospect Josue De Paula took a low sinker, then bent his knees wide and shook his head at the ball call, just like Juan Soto does.
“There's a lot of Juan Soto there”
Not an accident at all
De Paula idolizes fellow Dominican stars Soto and Elly De La Cruz. He's tried to take pieces from each of their games, especially Soto's plate discipline.
Subconsciously inspired by his idol
De Paula wasn't intentionally copying Soto's shuffle, but he understands the comparison. He's locked into his legs at the plate and isn't mad about the comparison.
“I wasn't exactly trying to emulate it. It was more just me being so locked in and getting into my legs”
Making his own mark quickly
Called up straight from double-A last week, De Paula has reached base in half of his 14 plate appearances while filling in for injured Shohei Ohtani as DH.
First hits include monster homer
De Paula collected his first two MLB hits on Sunday in Miami with a towering three-run home run and a double off the wall.
Calm under pressure impresses skipper
Manager Dave Roberts praised De Paula's ability to stay calm and not get too emotional in the different environment of the majors.
“He's maintained that calm in the box. That's really good to see.”
Promoted to leadoff hitter
After his hot start, De Paula earned another honor on Tuesday, batting leadoff for the Dodgers in his fifth consecutive start.
Postseason roster spot in play
Roberts said De Paula is already in the conversation for the team's playoff roster, likely as a left-handed option off the bench.
“I just hope he continues to perform and take those at-bats and then we'll see where we're at come the end of September”
Learning from a team of legends
De Paula is soaking up knowledge from his veteran teammates, including a chat with Mookie Betts about outfield defense fundamentals.
“I just hope he continues to perform and take those at-bats and then we'll see where we're at come the end of September”
Elite plate discipline on display
De Paula entered Tuesday without a single strikeout yet in the majors. Roberts says controlling the strike zone has always been his DNA as a hitter.
Power to match the patience
De Paula has clobbered six of his nine batted balls at 97 mph or harder, showing the tantalizing power that made him a top prospect.
Confidence carries over from minors
De Paula says he knows what type of hitter he is. He loves the mental battle with pitchers and is looking to win every at-bat.
“It's just me and the pitcher. It's a battle up there. I love the war aspect of it, the mental side of it.”
The short version
Josue De Paula is forcing his way into the Dodgers' postseason plans with elite plate discipline and power in his first week in the majors.
