The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on the good end of facing left-handed pitching thus far in the 2024 season, being one of baseball’s top offensive units against southpaws.
Entering play on June 4, the Dodgers’ offense has a collective 129 wRC+ against lefties, the best mark in the National League. However, their numbers could be better if they included consistent performance from first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has struggled in those situations to this point.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is aware of the 34-year-old having a rough go against same-handed pitchers, noting that he might adjust the lineup to break up Shohei Ohtani and Freeman.
“I think if anything, I will say I’ve thought about potentially splitting up the two lefties at the top,” Roberts said of a potential lineup change.
“Not against right-handed pitching, potentially against left. And I only say that because it just gives that opposing manager, team that runway. With the right-hander, they’re going to have it in the seventh or the eighth inning.
“But with that left-hander, they have it three, potentially four times, that particular night and not have the Will Smith tax. So I’m thinking about it… But maybe a guy with a lefty that has more splits, I might think about it. But if I do, I would certainly have Freddie be a part of that conversation.”
Out of 11 Dodgers hitters with at-least 25 at-bats against lefties, Freeman ranks eight with a 97 wRC+.
He’s on pace for a career-worst year against left-handed pitching, batting just .229/.340/.325 in 100 plate appearances. Thankfully for him, he’s still a threat to work a walk, but the slugging percentage isn’t there at this point in the season.
Roberts hinting at a shift would remedy the harsh matchups Freeman has faced, mainly when the opposing team puts a left-hander in to either open the game, or has a back-to-back with he and Ohtani for a reliever.
Would the Dodgers’ lineup benefit from lowering Freddie Freeman in the lineup?
Against lefties, absolutely. Freeman’s current pace against lefties and the difficult matchups he’s endured have made for some wasted offense. He discussed the season he’s had, saying it feels like he’s treading water.
His .220 batting average isn’t too bad when considering his on-base percentage, but his lack of power in those spots is a detriment in the three spot. The Dodgers have catcher Will Smith, who owns a 251 wRC+ against lefties, making him one of the best bats in Major League Baseball when gifted the opportunity.
Smith sliding up to the three hole could potentially provide the Dodgers with a boost in run production, while making the move to bring in a reliever that much tougher.
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