One day after getting called up to replace Hyeseong Kim on the active roster, Alex Freeland was in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
Freeland started at third base and hit ninth in the order. He went 1-for-2 with one walk in the Dodgers’ loss.
With that, Freeland became the sixth Dodgers rookie to wear an MLB debut patch on his jersey this season. Roki Sasaki and Jack Dreyer previously did so when they both pitched in the Tokyo Series, while Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing earned their respective patches in May, and Jack Little followed suit when his first game got overshadowed by a flare-up with the San Diego Padres.
The MLB debut jersey patch began as a partnership between MLB, the Players Association (MLBPA), Fanatics and Topps in 2023. Since that year, players who make their MLB debut have a commemorative jersey patch on their sleeve, which is then authenticated for use in subsequent Topps products.
Michael Busch was the first Dodgers rookie to receive the special jersey patch under the partnership. He has since been joined by Bryan Hudson, Nick Robertson, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Ricky Vanasco, Landon Knack, Andy Pages, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan, Ben Casparius, Sasaki, Dreyer, Kim, Rushing, Little and now Freeland.
Alex Freeland’s next start
With Max Muncy in the midst of completing a rehab assignment Tommy Edman nursing a right ankle issue, there is a window for Freeland to receive opportunities. His next is expected to come Friday in another start at third base.
Freeland is also capable of playing second base, and was drafted by the Dodgers as a shortstop.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
