The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their first roster crunch of the season by demoting Alex Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City in order to activate Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list.
Freeland in some regard was the obvious choice to send down the Minors. But another route the Dodgers could have taken was optioning Hyeseong Kim instead or designating Santiago Espinal for assignment.
After all, Freeland did receive the nod over Kim when it came to determining the final spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.
Behind Dodgers’ decision between Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim
Betts’ injury and Tommy Edman still recovering from offseason surgery on his right ankle created opportunities for Kim and Freeland alike. When it came to determining who would remain on the roster, Kim’s overall success was a determining factor.
“It was hard. It was a tough one. I think what it came down to is Hyeseong performed better,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Alex did everything that we asked, as far as playing defense and being a pro, learning and taking good at-bats. The last 10 days have been really good, as far as getting on base.
“But at that point, we just felt that giving Hyeseong some runway, because the way he’s performed over the time he’s been here, we felt that was fair. But again, [Freeland] understood, took it like a pro, but still a tough conversation.”
Freeland batted .235/.309/.337 with four doubles, two home runs, eight RBI, 11 walks and 32 strikeouts over 33 games with the Dodgers. In his last 15 games Freeland hit .256/.360/.372. There was improvement in some areas from Freeland’s debut last season but he remained prone to inconsistencies at the plate.
Another aspect to the Dodgers deciding on sending the switch-hitter down to the Minors is he’ll have an opportunity to play on a daily basis.
“I hope he is upset for a couple of 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,” Roberts said.
Freeland hit .263/.384/.451 with 30 doubles, 16 home runs and 82 RBI over 106 games for the Comets last year.
Another opportunity with the Dodgers this season seemingly will hinge on health of other players or if Kim starts to struggle. Meanwhile, Espinal’s future appears tied to once Kiké Hernández is ready to come off the 60-day injured list.
Hernández is eligible to get activated May 24 but has indicated he’ll join the team the following day.
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