Alex Freeland to be Optioned Upon Mookie Betts’ Return
The Los Angeles Dodgers will option Alex Freeland to Triple-A when Mookie Betts returns from the injured list Monday, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) Betts completed his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City over the weekend, and most of the talk surrounding his return revolved around who would be sent down. The Dodgers had a few ways to go about their decision, also having the opportunity to option Hyeseong Kim back to the minors or designate Santiago Espinal for assignment. Freeland broke camp with the Dodgers to make the Opening Day roster, and started the year off with a bang—hitting a double and a home run in the first game of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Since then, though his offensive performance has tailed off quite a bit. The switch hitter has a . 235/.
309/. 337 slash line through 33 games this season, and has just two homers and eight RBIs through 98 at-bats. One of the reasons why the Dodgers selected Freeland over Kim to make the Opening Day roster was his ability to walk , but he has been just about league average in terms of walk rate.
Kim, who came up to the majors when Betts landed on the injured list, has just three fewer walks than Freeland in almost 30 fewer plate appearances. Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Alex Freeland (76) tosses the ball to first base to force an out against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images How did Mookie Betts Get Injured?
The Dodgers placed Betts on the injured list during their third series of the season against the Washington Nationals. Betts underwent an MRI after expressing discomfort and leaving a Saturday game against the Nationals, and it revealed he strained his right oblique. He promptly moved to the injured list, and slowly ramped himself back up.