Dodgers Notes: Freeland to Start at 2B, Sasaki Inching Closer to Rehab Assignment, Dodgers “Hopeful” Kiké Will Return & More

LOS ANGELES, CA—Despite yesterday’s loss, things are trending upward for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they’re expected to activate multiple arms and are looking for ways to get top prospect Alex Freeland more at-bats.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided the team with multiple updates per game yesterday that will impact tonight’s contest, so catch up on the latest Dodgers Notes.

Freeland to Start at 2B Tonight

The Dodgers’ middle infield has been a revolving door in recent years, and while most people will look at shortstop, which has seen the likes of Corey Seager, Trea Turner, Gavin Lux, and now Mookie Betts take the reins, second base has been more of an issue.

This season, the Dodgers had multiple options, ranging from Tommy Edman, who won a Gold Glove at the position during the 2021 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Newly signed Korean middle infielder Hyeseong Kim. And finally, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas.

Now, throwing his hat in the ring is top infield prospect Alex Freeland.

Freeland, 23, made his debut for Los Angeles last week, and in thirteen Major League at-bats, the switch-hitting infielder has a .308 average and a .708 OPS, all while showing elite contact.

What was thought to be a short stint in the Majors will likely turn into an extended stay, with Edman being placed on the 10-day injured list.

The return of Muncy and the stability of Betts at shortstop forces Freeland out of a position with him only playing third base and shortstop this season for the Triple-A Comets.

Now, per Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, the young infielder will start at second base to get him more playing time.

Sasaki Set to Throw 3-Inning Simulated Game; Rehab Assignment to Follow

Over the last several weeks, the Dodgers’ pitching staff has gotten healthier as the summer has gone on, with numerous arms making their return, such as Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell.

Now, the next arm looking to make a return soon is 23-year-old rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki, who could start a rehab assignment as soon as next week, per Dave Roberts.

While the Dodgers were on their nine-game road trip in Boston, Cincinnati, and Tampa, Sasaki set up camp at the Dodgers’ Arizona complex and pitched two innings against live hitters, reaching upwards of 90 MPH.

Today, Sasaki is set to throw a three-inning simulated game, and if all goes well, the righty could be looking at a minor league rehab assignment and a possible late August or early September return.

Dodgers’ “Hopeful” Kiké Will Return This Season

Prior to the All-Star break, the Dodgers placed veteran utilityman Kiké Hernández on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, and since then, we haven’t gotten many positive updates on the fan-favorite.

Last week, Dave Roberts stated that Hernández has not resumed baseball activities, including throwing and hitting, as the elbow remains a lingering issue that causes him pain.

Dodgers insider David Vassegh shared similar updates, stating that the pain not only interferes with baseball activities but also with everyday life, including sleep.

One month after starting his injured list stint, Hernández has only engaged in light throwing and has not participated in other baseball activities. His season might be at risk, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not ready to completely rule out a possible return.

“We’re not there yet as far as worrying about if the season is lost,” Roberts said. “He’s doing everything he can as far as the PRPs, the cortisones, the rest, other non-invasive procedures to try to speed this thing up. Right now, we’re all still hopeful. Certainly no guarantee, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be back.”

Hernández recently had two nonsurgical procedures to reduce elbow pain after a cortisone injection did not resolve the problem.

Hernández is having a rough year overall, batting only .195/.259/.367 with five doubles, eight home runs, and twenty-two RBI over 186 plate appearances in 71 games.

In Hernández’s absence, the Dodgers have lacked an impactful right-handed bat off the bench, a weakness that the Dodgers hope newly acquired outfielder Alex Call can fill for the rest of the season.

Around the Diamond

• Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. The time on the IL is not yet known, but it could be a while before we see Edman activated this season.
• Dave Roberts insisted that the team will still bat Mookie Betts 1st or 2nd in the order, despite the lack of production. (More on this coming in a follow-up article.)
• Tanner Scott is slated to throw a bullpen session before today’s game, his first since being placed on the IL.
• Kirby Yates has no timetable for a return.

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