The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a long-awaited roster move, optioning down Alex Freeland after a lackluster spell with the team and adding Kike Hernandez from the injured list.
Freeland’s time in the majors, barring something amazing, was always going to be relatively short.
However, even in his small bit of action, he has struggled to show much promise that the front office believes he has.
Freeland is hitting .231/.309/.313 with a 74 OPS+. His defense has been quite good for the Dodgers, but with his bat not catching up, he will be limited to being a fringe player for LA.
He hit .265/.345/.592 in Triple-A for Oklahoma City, showing potential with a 126 wRC+. The Dodgers will likely remain keen on Freeland, whom manager Dave Roberts has spoken highly of.
Last time Freeland was demoted, Roberts celebrated Freeland’s success down in the minors.
“It was great. That was kind of what we talked about doing, was going down there and knocking the door down,” Roberts said.
“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.”
What does Kike Hernandez’s return mean for the Dodgers
While there is something to be said for giving a young player more of a chance, Hernandez is a proven voice and presence for the Dodgers, and he always rises in the postseason.
Hernandez is showing new life in his hitting during the regular season, with his two games this year being stellar and his minor league work keeping his momentum going.
At this point, it is reasonable to expect Hernandez to get more chances in the lineup and play all over the field.
His emergence as a viable everyday player again in the regular season allows for more rest and rotation, which helps a veteran roster.
Hopefully, this means when his level rises in the postseason, he is a key hitter in the order.
One Response
This will be the last time we ever seen Freeland as a Dodger.