Dodgers Option Breakout Rookie Just Ahead of Playoffs

The Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday optioned Josue De Paula to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets, apparently dashing the rookie’s hopes of making the postseason roster.

class="wp-block-paragraph">De Paula skipped Triple-A on his way to the major leagues, though now, it looks like he’ll be going back to hit that missed step.

Sep 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula (95) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)De Paula, an outfielder who’s largely served as a designated hitter, was by no means a lock for the postseason, but his strong play over the past couple of weeks had many hopeful he could be a part of the team’s pursuit of a three-peat.

How has Josue De Paula played in the big leagues this year?De Paula has appeared in only 10 games, but he’s surely made an impact.

class="wp-block-paragraph">He’s hitting .323 with a homer, seven RBIs and a stolen base, but he’s more than just a player who hits for average.

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De Paula is also a regular producer of walks and extra base hits, with a .500 on-base percentage and .581 slugging for an OPS of 1.081.

class="wp-block-paragraph">As recently as Tuesday night, he was a force, hitting 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored, a continuation of a strong season that included a Texas League Most Valuable Player award for his work with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers.

class="wp-block-paragraph">With Shohei Ohtani returning from injury on Wednesday, though, the Dodgers needed room on the roster, and clearly, they thought De Paula had to be the odd man out.

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