The Los Angeles Dodgers have a big decision to make when Kiké Hernandez returns from the injured list, and MLB.com’s Sonja Chen named infielder Alex Freeland as the player most likely to return to the minors upon his return.
“As things stand, rookie infielder Alex Freeland would likely be the odd man out upon Hernández’s return,” Chen wrote. “Freeland was recalled when Hernández went on the IL and would have even more reduced playing time with the veteran utility player back on the roster.”
Hernandez suffered an oblique strain during his previous rehab assignment, where he aimed to return from an elbow surgery which had kept him out of the season so far, and attempted to play through the injury. He went 4-for-4 with two doubles and a home run in his two games back, but the injury became too much to bear and he headed back to the injured list.
He has played two games with Triple-A Oklahoma City so far in his current rehab assignment, and has two hits in eight trips for the Comets.
Chen anticipates Hernandez could return as soon as the end of the month, when the Dodgers return home after their nine-game road trip on the East Coast to face off against the AL West-leading Mariners at Dodger Stadium.
Why Would Alex Freeland Be Sent Down?
As of now, the Dodgers have plenty of infielders, and Freeland has seen reduced playing time since Tommy Edman’s return from the injured list. Mookie Betts has shortstop locked down for the time being and Edman has filled in for Muncy at third when the veteran needs to rest, so second base is the only position in which Freeland can realistically fill in.
Edman also plays second—and is the Dodgers’ first choice—and Miguel Rojas also sees ample game time in the middle infield.
The Dodgers will likely prefer Freeland to get consistent time on the field, which he can do in Triple-A, and will send him down for Hernandez, who offers some positional versatility.
Freeland still has minor league options left as well, so there is less consequence in sending him down.
Hernandez won’t return for at least a week, though, so the Dodgers have some time to mull over the decision.
Do you think the Dodgers should send down Alex Freeland when Kiké Hernandez returns?
6 Responses
Sure, unless they want to put Mookie back on IL
Send Mookie Down, he is an automatic out at the plate when men are on base.
I am a fan of Freeland but yes, Freeland needs to get consistency in his at bats. Up to now he’s inconsistent and with Kike coming back the team needs him more than they need Freeland. I just wish the Dodgers would bring Ben Rortvedt back from the Mets minor league. Dodgers need a catcher and Ben filled in nicely during the last post season when Smith and Rushing were injured.
Get rid of Call.
He will benefit more from getting consistant AB’s in OKC than playing once or twice a week in LA.
Trade him. This kid could start on 25 other MLB teams…2nd base, SS, or 3rd base. Needs Big League at bats Dodgers trying not to give him a contract. He’s caught in the middle. Only 24 years old