Florida SS Brendan Lawson a semifinalist for Brooks Wallace Award
Florida's Brendan Lawson is a top-50 semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, showcasing his impressive season stats.
The Los Angeles Dodgers face a tough decision on whether to send Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland to Triple-A when Mookie Betts returns. Freeland secured his spot on the Opening Day roster but has struggled offensively since.
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland (76) catches a fly ball in shallow right field during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a difficult decision ahead of them, as one of Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland will have to make the trip to Triple-A Oklahoma City whenever it is All-Star shortstop Mookie Betts makes his return.
Kim and Freeland had a similar position battle during spring training, which Freeland ultimately won to secure his spot on LAâs Opening Day roster. He had a good first game, hitting two extra base hits, though hasnât exactly delivered on offense since.
For that reason, The Athleticâs Fabian Ardaya believes Kim would be the answer if the Dodgers were constructing their roster for the rest of the season today. That being said, he also sees the merit in keeping Freeland around.
âIf I were constructing a postseason roster on April 22, Kim would likely be a better fit,â Ardaya wrote. âBut I would also understand the argument that Kim would be better served than Freeland to see everyday at-bats in the minors.
Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland are the two Dodgers facing the possibility of being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Freeland's recent offensive struggles and Kim's performance during spring training are key factors in the Dodgers' decision-making process.
The exact date of Mookie Betts' return is not specified, but it is anticipated to be soon.
Fabian Ardaya believes that if the Dodgers were constructing their roster today, Kim would be the preferred choice, although he sees value in keeping Freeland.
Florida's Brendan Lawson is a top-50 semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, showcasing his impressive season stats.
José Soriano makes MLB history with six consecutive starts allowing one earned run or fewer.
MLB's 'Ohtani Rules' spark debate over fairness in baseball.
Former West Meck star Jmari Taylor is set for the NFL Draft!
Bournemouth's late draw with Leeds dims Champions League hopes but highlights young talent.
Discover the top 25 high schools in the U.S. for athletes based on a recent study.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
âWhoever wins that âbattleâ likely gets to hold on until either KikĂ© HernĂĄndez or Tommy Edman returns.â
As for when the decision will come, the duo still have plenty of time to make a case for themselves. Betts has only just begun swinging after pulling his oblique, and is still yet to go on a rehab assignment.
Apr 18, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland (76) catches a fly ball in shallow right field during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Freeland has played in six more games than Kim this season, but the latter is outperforming the young infielder by a wide margin.
Kim has a .333/.441/.519 slash line through his 13 games this season for a .960 OPSâfar superior to Freelandâs lackluster mark of .559. Kim also has the same number of extra base hits (3) as Freeland.
Freelandâs ability to work the count and draw walks served as one of the main deciding factors in choosing him over Kim during spring training, but Kim has also outperformed him there. Kimâs six narrowly beat out Freelandâs five, Kimâs strikeout percentage is also superior.
Kim currently platoons shortstop with veteran Miguel Rojas, a right-handed hitter, while the switch-hitting Freeland mans second, but upon Bettsâ return, they could very well just shift the platoon to the other side of the infield while sending Freeland to Triple-A if these results persist.
Do you think Hyeseong Kim should keep the spot once Mookie Betts makes his return from injury?