Top prospect Josue De Paula admitted that learning he had made the Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster caught him completely by surprise.

De Paula made his postseason debut during Game 2 against the Atlanta Braves, receiving the Dodgers’ last plate appearance of the game.

De Paula told the media, including Dodgers Nation, that he experienced several emotions simultaneously after receiving the news. He was shocked and happy while also trying to envision what participating in the postseason would be like.

Rather than creating specific expectations, De Paula planned to embrace the opportunity and see how the experience unfolded.

“I was kind of shocked. Yeah, I was shocked. I was happy. There was a lot of emotions going on at the same time,” De Paula said.

“Yeah, a lot of thoughts going into it, like envisioning how this is going to be. I’m just going along for the ride and see how everything comes to me, so yeah.”

His first postseason plate appearance did not develop as he hoped. The left-handed hitter represented the tying run with Los Angeles trailing Atlanta in Game 2.

De Paula popped out during a three-pitch plate appearance to end the game, completing the Dodgers’ 3-2 loss.

Despite the disappointing result, appearing in the National League Division Series was significantly better than the alternative De Paula had expected.

Before learning that he had earned a roster spot, De Paula planned to return home, relax and spend approximately three weeks with his family before resuming his training. He had not expected to remain with the Dodgers for the postseason.

“Before I knew it? Take myself home, chill for a little bit,” De Paula explained.

“Take probably three weeks off with family and get back to training and stuff. I wasn’t expecting myself to be here.”

Last October, De Paula watched from Miami as Los Angeles won its second consecutive World Series. This time, he is participating as the Dodgers pursue a third straight title.

De Paula established himself during the first 11 games of his MLB career. His offensive production immediately attracted attention, but his energy and confidence also helped him stand out.

He explained that baseball remains a game and that he wants his teammates to enjoy themselves while competing. His approach is centered on performing successfully without losing the enjoyment that accompanies the experience.

“I mean, it was cool. I just try to — at the end of the day this is a game, and I just try to make sure everybody’s having fun while we’re doing it,” DePaula noted.

“Why not kick butt and have fun at the same time, you know what I’m saying? Yeah, just try to make sure everybody is having fun and enjoy themselves.”

De Paula recorded a .323/.500/.581 slash line with a home run, seven RBIs, seven runs scored and a 1.081 OPS in his first 42 career plate appearances.

The Dodgers expect De Paula to become an important part of their future. His immediate focus, however, is finding a way to contribute during his first postseason.

Reaching MLB and immediately entering an October environment could overwhelm a young player, but De Paula has continued expressing himself naturally.

His positive energy also provides value beyond his plate appearances. De Paula wants those around him to remain loose and enjoy competing, an attitude that can help reduce tension during demanding games.

He combines that personality with an advanced offensive approach. His patience allows him to avoid forcing action, while his confidence helps him remain aggressive when he identifies a pitch he can drive.

De Paula must also demonstrate resilience after his difficult Game 2 opportunity. One unsuccessful plate appearance does not define his postseason.

How he responds will reveal another important part of his development. De Paula has the talent, self-belief and enthusiasm to remain ready when the Dodgers call upon him again.