Alex Freeland got off to a slow start in his first full season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he seems to be turning a corner at the plate.
Over his last five games dating back to April 19, the former third-round pick is hitting .375/.474/.500 with two doubles, three RBI and three walks in 19 plate appearances.
“I feel great,” Freeland said. “I know it’s been a super slow start, but like I said, just keep showing up, putting the work in and letting the results take care of themselves.”
Freeland attributed the recent success to making a slight mechanical adjustment to his swing. “Yeah, just like a small tweak with my hands, and we’re running with it. Feels good,” he explained.
Freeland’s swing has been a work in progress, as he made a change to his stance before the start of the regular season. The 24-year-old has remained patient with his approach and is happy to finally see some results.
“Yeah, definitely,” Freeland began. “I mean, just got to be patient. Everybody wants to see immediate results right away. So not seeing the results can put you down. But if you take it day by day and keep going at it, and then you’ll be fine.”
Freeland struggled throughout Spring Training, but still earned a spot on the Dodgers Opening Day roster despite not putting up productive numbers. Manager Dave Roberts said at the time he was encouraged by his improved at-bat quality and that the results would eventually come.
Alex Freeland stats
Freeland is batting .239/.307/.343 with four doubles, one home run and six RBI in 76 plate appearances across 22 games entering play Sunday. While the numbers aren’t quite where he wants them, they still represent significant improvements from his brief stint with the Dodgers last season.
Freeland has received most of his playing time against right-handed pitching this year and has exclusively played at second base with Tommy Edman still recovering from right ankle surgery.
He is now likely competing for playing time and potentially a roster spot with Kim as Mookie Betts continues to move closer to his return. Kim and Freeland would both be repetitive on the roster when Betts and Edman are both healthy and active.
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