Alex Freeland was named Pacific Coast League (PCL) Player of the Week for the period of May 11-17 after a strong showing with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate.
Freeland went 10-for-25 (.400) with two triples, three home runs, 11 RBI, three walks and eight runs scored in five games against the Albuquerque Isotopes during the span he was recognized for.
The 24-year-old had four consecutive multi-hit games after going 0-for-4 in his first appearance with the Comets upon getting optioned. He wasted no time making an impact after being sent down as the corresponding move to Mookie Betts returning from the 10-day injured list.
“I hope he is upset for a couple days and then flushes it, and then goes out there and performs well in Triple-A and gives himself an opportunity to get back here soon,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Freeland being the victim of a roster crunch.
Freeland began the year with the Dodgers after earning the final spot on their Opening Day roster over Hyeseong Kim. He batted .235/.309/.337 with four doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, 11 walks and 32 strikeouts in 33 games prior to becoming the odd man out when Betts returned.
The Dodgers could have simply optioned Kim or designated Santiago Espinal for assignment, but felt it was more prudent to send Freeland down as a way to get regular playing time with the Comets.
Freeland rejoining the Dodgers this season will presumably hinge on the health of other players or if Kim starts to struggle. Meanwhile, Espinal’s future appears tied to Kiké Hernández once he is ready to come off the 60-day injured list.
Alex Freeland becomes latest Dodgers prospect to win weekly honors
Freeland is the second Comets player to win PCL Player of the Week this season, joining Dodgers prospect James Tibbs III for the period of March 31-April 5. He started in six games for the Comets during that span, going 10-for-25 (.400) with a 1.523 on-base plus slugging percentage behind one double, five home runs and four walks.
Meanwhile, Isaac Ayon took home California League Pitcher of the Week honors after throwing five scoreless innings in his most recent start for Single-A Ontario.
Andy Pages previously earned National League Player of the Week honors for the period of March 30-April 5.
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