Alex Freeland Narrowly Secures Spot on Dodgers Opening Day Roster Over Hyeseong Kim
ANAHEIM — Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland made a compelling case for a spot on the opening day roster, hitting a home run during the team’s final Cactus League game on Saturday. The following day, prior to the Freeway Series matchup against the Angels, the Dodgers revealed their decision regarding the spring training position battle between Freeland and Hyeseong Kim, opting to send Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“It’s one of those things that you could argue both sides of either decision, as far as Alex or Hyeseong,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Friday. “And so I just don’t think it’s clear cut. We still haven’t seen Hyeseong a bunch. Alex, I think he’s taken great at-bats; the numbers, the surface line certainly isn’t there, but it’s still spring training. There are just deeper conversations that are going to be had.”
Kim began the spring with promising performances but struggled recently, finishing with a 1-for-12 record in the World Baseball Classic. Freeland concluded the Cactus League with a .116 batting average.
Meanwhile, utility player Tommy Edman’s offseason ankle surgery has opened a roster spot, though he is expected to start the season on the injured list. The Dodgers also reassigned utility man Nick Senzel, outfielder Jack Suwinski, and catcher Seby Zavala to minor-league camp.
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming season, they will face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, aiming for their third consecutive World Series title.
