Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave an update on infielder Alex Freeland’s playing time after LA’s infield roster shuffle Sunday.
The Dodgers placed infielder Mookie Betts on the injured list after he strained his right oblique in Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals, calling up Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A to replace him. Despite another player who has more experience at second base entering the fold, Roberts says Freeland will get a majority of the reps at second base.
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The Athletic‘s Katie Woo said Kim will also get plenty of time play, but games where Roberts sits Freeland are “expected to be few.”
“I still want to try to get Alex some at-bats right handed,” Roberts said. “Right now, we just feel he’s a much better hitter from the left side. But yeah, I would say that the platoon more so is (at) short. But I also see Miggy getting at-bats potentially at short if a right-hander (is starting).”
The Dodgers controversially picked Freeland over Kim coming out of spring training, largely due to his ability to get on base. Freeland got off to a decent start to the season, clubbing a home run and a double in his first appearance of the season, but has managed just one hit in 16 at-bats since. LA is sticking to their guns, though, and will hope to see him pick it up in the coming season.
Mar 28, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Alex Freeland (76) during batting practice prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
How Did Hyeseong Kim Perform in Triple-A?
Before his call up, Kim played just six games for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
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He got off to a great start with the Comets, slashing .346/.438/.385 with two RBIs. Notable, he had a strikeout to walk ratio of 7:4, far better than his mark in spring training after the Dodgers cited Freeland’s ability to get on base as a reason why they chose the top prospect.
Kim also began 2025 in the minor leagues and made a huge splash when he came up to the majors in May 2025, and will look to do something similar during his time at the top level this season. His first opportunity to contribute to the Dodgers will come Monday, as the Dodgers open their series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Roberts confirmed Kim’s inclusion in the starting lineup over the weekend.
“We’ve got three starters in Toronto, so Hyeseong will play short against Scherzer… He’ll probably start two of the three,” Roberts said.
The Comet will look to positively impact the Dodgers in his season debut as LA tries to continue a solid start to the 2026 season.
Would you rather see Alex Freeland or Hyeseong Kim play more often?