Just over one week after speculation the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to add a prospect to their expanded roster — presumed to have been James Tibbs III — they now appear poised to do so.
According to ESPN’s Alden González, the Dodgers are calling up top prospect Josue De Paula for the start of their road trip on Friday.
News: The Dodgers are calling up their best prospect, OF Josue De Paula, sources told ESPN.
He will be with the team on Friday, for the start of a weekend series in Miami.
More to come.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 10, 2026
De Paula’s impending arrival comes amid injury uncertainty with Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman also dealing with right knee discomfort. Both players were out of the lineup on Wednesday night. Dalton Rushing already is on the 10-day injured list, further leaving the Dodgers without a left-handed hitting option off the bench.
Josue De Paula’s potential impact
This is going to mark De Paula’s first time at the Major League level. He’s set to join the Dodgers after batting .303/.401/.547 with 37 doubles, 27 home runs and 104 RBI over 124 games with the Drillers this season.
De Paula shattered his previous career highs in doubles (17), homers (12) and RBI (62). He has made waves in the Dodgers farm system for swinging a power bat that is accompanied by encouraging plate discipline for a young slugger.
De Paula was named the 2025 All-Star Futures Game MVP.
Where there is still room for growth is defensively. De Paula has played both corner outfield positions this year and recently was receiving instruction from Dodgers special assistant Jason Heyward.
Of course, it can be reasoned that Ohtani is likely going to be placed on the 15-day injured list, which will create an opening at designated hitter that De Paula can easily fill. Because of MLB’s roster rules for two-way players, Ohtani must go on the 15-day IL.
The Dodgers will also need to make room for De Paula’s on their 40-man roster. De Paula’s arrival comes ahead of needing to be added anyhow this offseason in order to protect from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.
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