MIAMI –– Josue De Paula had already done plenty of walking during his first weekend in the majors.
Then, in the fourth inning on Sunday, he got to take a much more triumphant stroll around the bases.
Playing his third game since being called up by the Dodgers straight from double-A on Friday, the 21-year-old top prospect mashed his first MLB hit in style: Belting a 413-foot, second-deck, three-run home run during the Dodgers’ series finale against the Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Up to that point, De Paula had been on base often –– drawing four walks in his first nine plate appearances –– but had yet to record his first knock in the big leagues.
When it finally came on a 2-2 fastball from Miami right-hander Eury Pérez, it showcased exactly why the Dodgers have been so excited about the outfield slugger’s future star potential.
The ball left De Paula’s bat at 108.2 mph. It felt like it almost touched the ceiling of the Marlins’ roofed stadium before landing halfway up the second deck of outfield seats.
De Paula admired the drive all the way, watching it from the box before gesturing to his dugout with an excited, repeated smacking of his chest.
His new teammates, meanwhile, offered their own indelible reactions. Alex Freeland wore a look of disbelief. Miguel Rojas shared a chuckle with Mookie Betts. Dave Roberts held up a fist before clapping his hands.
The homer helped cap off what has been a successful introduction to the majors for De Paula, who also doubled in his next trip to the plate on Sunday.
Even before those knocks, he had hit several balls hard and displayed his plate discipline with his four walks. He also got a start in left field on Sunday, giving him a chance to show the improvements he has made this year on defense –– the one big question mark in his otherwise highly-touted skill set.
