The Los Angeles Dodgers welcomed back Kiké Hernández from the injured list on Tuesday and with that sent Alex Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City for a second time this season.
Both instances have been the result of a roster crunch. Freeland previously was optioned to the Minors in the middle of May as the corresponding move to Mookie Betts coming off the IL.
Dave Roberts’ message to Alex Freeland
Following the Dodgers’ latest roster decision, manager Dave Roberts spoke highly of how Freeland has navigated this season.
“Alex has done a great job for us. And I told him just briefly how impressed I was, how professional he was, and how he handled himself,” Roberts said. “He learned while he wasn’t playing, and just go down there and get some opportunities to play every day.”
Freeland’s 2026 season began by beating out Hyeseong Kim for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He then was with the Comets from May 11-26 before returning because Hernández needed to go back on the injured list due to a left oblique strain.
By the end of May, Roberts said he planned to give Freeland plenty of opportunities
In 39 games (28 starts) after returning to the Dodgers roster, Freeland batted Austin, .227/.309/.289 with three doubles, one home run and 11 RBI. Freeland’s last five games played were all off the bench.
Freeland’s last time optioned
When the Dodgers previously sent Freeland down to the Minors this year, Roberts said he hoped the 24-year-old would use it as motivation.
Freeland promptly was named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week.
“It was great. That was kind of what we talked about doing, was going down there and knocking the door down,” Roberts said at the time. “Taking that frustration out on those pitchers, and that’s what he did. So obviously there’s an opportunity and I just feel he’s earned the opportunity to get some looks consistently.
“It’s a credit to him to go back down there and play well.”
Now Freeland is in a similar position but also faces the reality of not having a clear path back to the team. At this point the Dodgers’ infield position group is largely set, and any other opportunity for Freeland will need to come because of an injury.
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