Dodgers option Alex Freeland with Mookie Betts activated

TL;DR

Mookie Betts returns to the Dodgers after missing 32 games due to injury, leading to Alex Freeland being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Betts will bat second in the lineup for the game against the Astros.

Key points

Mookie Betts returns after 32-game injury absence
Alex Freeland optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City
Betts batted second in the lineup against the Astros
Hyeseong Kim gains more playing time at second base
Freeland had a .235 batting average before being optioned

Los Angeles DodgersHouston Astros

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MAY 04: Alex Freeland #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images LOS ANGELES — For the first time since April 4, the Dodgers have Mookie Betts back after he missed 32 games with a strained oblique. To make room on the active roster, Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Betts is batting second for the Dodgers on Friday night. Betts played two rehab games with Oklahoma City, which was news in and of itself because he hadn’t previously played in the minors since 2015 despite a handful of other injured-list stints. Betts singled in each of his games with the Comets and also added a walk, and played 11 total innings at shortstop on Friday and Saturday. Freeland in spring training won the heavy side of a platoon second base, which shifted into more regular playing time once Betts was injured, in total starting 31 of the Dodgers’ 40 games at second base, where he totaled three outs above average (tied for fifth in the majors) and three defensive runs saved (tied for eighth). Freeland hit .235/.309/.337 with an 86 wRC+, two home runs, and four doubles, and the second-highest strikeout rate (28.6 percent) on the team. This means more playing time at second base for , an excellent defender in his own right who started 24 of the 32 games at shortstop with Betts on the injured list. Kim since returning from Triple-A in April hit .289/.353/.395 with a 114 wRC+, three doubles, a home run, and a triple. is still around as the right-handed-hitting option off the bench, for at least , when another roster decision will need to be made.

Q&A

Why was Alex Freeland optioned to Triple-A?

Alex Freeland was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Mookie Betts, who returned from injury.

How long was Mookie Betts out due to injury?

Mookie Betts missed 32 games with a strained oblique before returning to the Dodgers.

What impact does Betts' return have on the Dodgers' lineup?

Betts' return allows for more playing time at second base for Hyeseong Kim, who performed well in Betts' absence.

Dodgers option Alex Freeland with Mookie Betts activated

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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