Dave Roberts provided an update on Alex Freeland after he jammed his thumb during a game. Freeland was removed for strategic reasons, not due to injury, and is set to start against the Rockies.
Key points
Dave Roberts provided an injury update on Alex Freeland.
Freeland jammed his thumb during a game against the Rockies.
He was removed for strategic reasons, not due to injury.
Freeland is starting at second base in the next game.
The Dodgers will face pitcher Michael Lorenzen.
Los Angeles DodgersColorado Rockies
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
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
Freeland jammed his thumb in the field Saturday, and promptly exited the game to make way for Alex Call. Despite how the scenario looked, though, Roberts said he took Freeland out due to the presence of a left-hander on the mound the next half-inning, not because of anything physical, per The Athleticâs Fabian Ardaya.
The infielder clearly has his bearings, as the Dodgers have him starting at second base once again to face the right-handed Michael Lorenzen.
Q&A
What injury did Alex Freeland sustain during the game?
Alex Freeland jammed his thumb while playing in the field.
Why was Alex Freeland taken out of the game against the Rockies?
He was removed due to the presence of a left-handed pitcher coming up, not because of an injury.
Is Alex Freeland playing in the next game after his injury scare?
Yes, Alex Freeland is starting at second base in the next game against the Rockies.
Who is the pitcher that the Dodgers are facing after Freeland's injury?
The Dodgers are facing right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen.
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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
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 Has Alex Freeland Performed in 2026?
The Dodgers have shown faith in one of their top prospects this season, and have given Freeland the starting job at second base following Mookie Bettsâ oblique injury early in the season.
He had a solid first game of the season, hitting a homer and crushing a double in the Dodgersâ Opening Day win, but has since tailed off, and is batting just .196 on the season with three RBIs total.
Freeland has hits in two of his last three games, though, and will hope to continue improving as he looks to prove himself at the top level.
What Will Happen to Alex Freeland When Mookie Betts Comes Back?
Prior to Bettsâ injury, Freeland split time with veteran Miguel Rojas in a platoon at second base.
Now, though, the Dodgers have added Hyeseong Kim into the mix, and Kimâfranklyâhas outperformed Freeland during his brief time back in MLB.
Kim has an OPS north of .800, and has the same homer and RBI totals as Freeland in less games. If he continues to perform like this, the Dodgers may have to give Kim a second look rather than Freeland.
That being said, the Dodgers have shown plenty of faith in Freeland as the future of their organization, and will hope he can get back on track to maintain his spot with the MLB team.
Both Kim and Freeland will play for the Dodgers in their third game of a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies, batting eighth and ninth, respectively. Theyâll hope to turn the lineup over well as LA tries to return to winning ways.
First pitch for the third game of the series comes Sunday at 12:10 p.m. PT.
Do you think Alex Freeland will keep his spot on the team?
