CINCINNATI — The Dodgers are coping with extra accidents to their lineup.
In consequence, considered one of their high prospects may get his first big-league alternative this week.
Alex Freeland, the top-ranked infielder within the Dodgers’ farm system, will probably be in Cincinnati on Tuesday in case both Tommy Edman (who had his lingering ankle harm flare up on him Sunday whereas rounding the bases) or Hyeseong Kim (who has been battling a shoulder problem during the last week) must go on the injured listing, supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned after the Dodgers’ Monday night time win over the Reds.
“He’s going to come and we’ll see what direction we go, with who,” Roberts mentioned. “We’re just kind of trying to figure out … if we do need to make a move for one of those guys.”
Freeland, a third-round decide in 2022 out of the College of Central Florida, is the crew’s No. 3 total prospect in line with MLB Pipeline and the Thirty fifth-ranked prospect in baseball.
The 23-year-old switch-hitter has spent all season with triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis, the place he has batted .253 with 12 house runs, 71 RBIs and .799 OPS in 94 video games.
Now, he may get his first crack on the big-league roster, with the Dodgers dealing with one other spherical of harm complications following Monday’s sport.
Within the brief time period, Kim’s shoulder harm seems to be the extra urgent problem.
The South Korean rookie has struggled mightily on the plate currently, with an 0-for-3 efficiency Monday leaving him simply three for twenty-four since July 19.
“You can just see offensively with the bat, he’s just not himself right now,” Roberts mentioned.
Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim, who’s coping with a shoulder harm, has struggled on the plate in latest video games.
(Jeff Chiu / Related Press)
Edman, nevertheless, represents the larger long-term concern for the Dodgers to handle, together with his ankle harm lingering since early Might.
“It’s something that’s kind of always there,” Edman mentioned. “But I would say it’s been pretty normal.”
No less than it was till Sunday, when Edman mentioned he “had a little tweak of it” whereas working the bases at Fenway Park.
Whereas Edman was not obtainable for Monday’s sport, he maintained optimism he may keep away from what could be a second injured listing this season and be again within the lineup Tuesday.
“I don’t feel like this is that big a deal,” he mentioned. “I was just at a point where I didn’t feel like I could run full speed today. I got some good treatment today so hopefully I’ll be back available tomorrow.”
Nonetheless, the Dodgers may resolve that an prolonged break for the utilityman is warranted — particularly since he has been unable to play outfield whereas attempting to handle his harm.
“Obviously, if I couldn’t hit him tonight, for him to not to be able to play three innings of defense, isn’t a great feeling,” Roberts mentioned.
Freeland will probably be ready within the wings simply in case.
A local of Louisville, Ken., he made a serious soar up the Dodgers’ farm system final 12 months, when he progressed from excessive A to triple Some time batting .260 throughout three minor-league ranges.
A disciplined hitter with 228 profession walks in 345 profession minor-league video games, Freeland has obtained excessive marks for his protection at shortstop and third base. He additionally has 81 steals over his 4 minor-league seasons.
How will the Dodgers decide if Kim or Edman — or each — might want to go on the IL?
“That’s the thing that, it is a blurred line,” Roberts mentioned. “The players obviously feel that they’re not hurt, where they can play and post, which is great. But the line of, are you still hurting the team, hurting yourself, that’s the thing that the organization, the training staff, we’ve got to make that decision.”
When and in the event that they do, the Dodgers know who will probably be tapped as a possible alternative.
