Hyeseong Kim Stays With Dodgers Over Alex Freeland
hyeseong kim stayed on the Dodgers’ roster, and Alex Freeland was sent back to Triple-A. Dave Roberts said the choice came down to performance, with Kim holding the spot after Mookie Betts returned from his rehab assignment sooner than expected.
Roberts on Kim and Freeland
“I think what it came down to is, Hyeseong’s performed better,” Roberts said. That was the cleanest explanation for a decision the Dodgers had to make between two players who had both been part of the same roster conversation before.
The club had liked Freeland’s plate discipline in spring training, but Kim’s defensive versatility likely helped separate them once the roster tightened. Roberts’ move left Freeland with another trip to Oklahoma City, while Kim remained in the major-league group.
Betts Changes the Mix
Betts’ return from his rehab assignment arrived sooner than anyone expected, and that forced the Dodgers to sort through the infield again. The timing pushed the Kim-Freeland decision to the front, instead of letting both linger on the edge of the roster picture.
Santiago Espinal could have been the easy cut, but the Dodgers did not go that route. Instead, they kept Kim and moved Freeland out, a choice that showed how quickly the club valued current form once Betts rejoined the roster.
Edman and Hernández
Kiké Hernández is next to come off the injured list, which adds another layer to the Dodgers’ infield logjam. Tommy Edman is already on the 60-day injured list, and Roberts said he is on a “slow program.”
If Edman returns, Kim could end up alongside Freeland again in a squeezed roster picture, and Alex Call could also be at risk. For now, Kim has the job, Freeland is back in Triple-A, and the Dodgers have leaned toward the player who has done more with his chances.
