Add The California Post on Google The Dodgers have received a surge of energy from Josue De Paula.
The 21-year-old rookie was a star in his Dodger Stadium debut on Friday night, going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI in an 8-2 win over the Giants.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Josue De Paula takes in the moment with teammates in the dugout during a game against the San Francisco Giants in Los Angeles, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Wally Skalij for CA Post But a hilarious moment involving Shohei Ohtani is what’s making De Paula (who has a .924 OPS in 21 at-bats with Los Angeles) even more beloved among Dodgers fans.
The SportsNet LA broadcast for Friday night’s game followed De Paula walking down the Dodgers’ dugout after he scored a run. At one point, De Paula high-fives Ohtani and then turns around in what appeared to be starstruck awe, as if just realizing he touched the two-way superstar’s hand.
To be clear, De Paula and Ohtani have probably interacted before. De Paula was at the Dodgers’ spring training, after all.
But De Paula was called up when Ohtani was placed on the injured list with right biceps inflammation earlier this month, and Ohtani hadn’t been traveling with the team during its recent road trip.
Therefore, this could have been the first time Ohtani was in the dugout during De Paula’s Dodgers stint. Or it could just have been the first time De Paula saw Ohtani that night, either of which could have prompted his starstruck reaction.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on from the dugout prior to the first inning of a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Any Dodgers fan would be in awe if they got to interact with Ohtani. This is what made De Paula’s response feel so relatable, endearing him to his team’s fan base even further.
