The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to get Mookie Betts back in the lineup tonight against the San Francisco Giants, which means a player on the roster will be heading back to the minors.
Second baseman Alex Freeland will be demoted when Betts is reinstated, reports Jack Harris of the California Post. Freeland made the Dodgers roster out of camp despite an underwhelming Spring Training. He slashed .235/.309/.337 in 113 plate appearances.
Betts went down with an oblique strain in early April. He’ll ultimately miss just over a month of action. The eight-time All-Star picked up five hits over 28 at-bats to begin the season.
Los Angeles Dodgers Roster News: Alex Freeland Headed Back to Minors with Mookie Betts Healthy
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: Alex Freeland #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to his tag on a stolen base from Miguel Amaya #9 of the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The 24-year-old Freeland ranked eighth among the Dodgers’ prospects heading into the season, per FanGraphs. He earned his first big-league promotion last season. Freeland stumbled to a 73 wRC+ across 29 games with the club. He put together a strong year at Triple-A, popping 16 home runs with 18 stolen bases, suggesting he would be ready to contribute in the majors in 2026. The early returns have been underwhelming. Freeland has struck out at a bloated 28.6% clip. He’s managed just two home runs and has yet to steal a base.
The Dodgers patched together the infield with Betts sidelined. Hyeseong Kim earned the majority of the reps at the position. World Series hero Miguel Rojas played up the middle on occasion. Kim delivered a respectable .737 OPS during his time at shortstop. Freeland has handled the second base spot on a near-everyday basis. Kim, Rojas, and Santiago Espinal have also spent time playing the position. With Betts locked into a regular role at shortstop, the aforementioned trio of infielders will now be chopping up reps at the keystone.
Hyeseong Kim Survives Roster Crunch
Freeland beat out Kim for a roster spot in the spring. Kim was the corresponding move when Betts hit the injured list. As the two young infielders on the roster with minor league options, it was basically down to Freeland and Kim as far as who would get sent down when Betts came back.
Kim joined the Dodgers last season after a stellar career in the Korea Baseball Organization. He performed admirably in his first taste of the majors, posting a 95 wRC+ in 170 plate appearances. The Dodgers’ talent-laden roster made it tough for Kim to earn regular opportunities. Kim’s best attribute may have been his speed, as he picked up 13 stolen bases in just 71 games. He also managed three home runs.
By holding off Freeland and maintaining a roster spot, Kim will get a chance to stake his claim to the second base gig. Rojas and Espinal are utility players at this stage of their respective careers. Kim now has a clear path to consistent playing time.
Dodgers to Demote Infielder With Mookie Betts Back Against Giants