The Los Angeles Dodgers Roll the Dice With Alex Freeland’s Big League Debut

If there is one thing the Los Angeles Dodgers love, it is throwing a fresh prospect into the fire to see if he comes out scorched or shining.

Enter Alex Freeland, the new kid on the block, who is about to get his MLB initiation.

Freeland, a name Dodgers fans should get used to hearing, is slated to make his first major league start at third base.

He is the Dodgers No.

3 prospect, and MLB Pipeline gave him a nice shoutout, ranking him No.

35 overall.

That is not too shabby for the 23-year-old, who was casually crushing it for Triple-A Oklahoma.

With a .253 batting average and leading the Pacific Coast League in walks, Freeland is not just there to fill a gap.

He is an asset.

How will he fare in the majors? A Surprise Call-Up For Freeland You could say this call-up came out of left field, except Freeland plays infield.

When Comets Manager Scott Hennessey broke the news, Freeland mustve had one of those Is this real life? moments.

Naturally, his first call was to his dad because who wouldnt want to share a Dad, I made it! moment? He will have friends and family in attendance in Cincinnati, undoubtedly making this debut even more surreal.

Its been surreal , Freeland shared in an oh-so-candid moment.

And no kidding, right? One day, youre grinding in the minors, and the next, youre suiting up at Great American Ball Park.

Why Now? The Dodgers Injury Carousel You could argue the timing is both perfect and desperate.

Hyeseong Kim , who has been pretty solid overall with a .304 batting average, just hit the injured list with left shoulder bursitis.

After slashing just .193 in his last 21 games, the Dodgers decided to give him a breather.

How impactful was Kims injury? Well, Manager Dave Roberts admitted Kim could have kept going, but the imaging convinced them otherwise.

And, if were being real, injuries have been the inconvenient theme for the Dodgers this season.

Max Muncy is still on his way back from a knee bone bruise, and Tommy Edmans ankle has been more of a recurring subplot than anyone wants in a sports drama.

The Dodgers need someone to fill the gaps.

Freeland Gets His Shot With Kim sidelined and the team tiptoeing around Edmans ankle situation, it is the rookies time.

Roberts seems optimistic (as always in his eternally chipper Dodgers way) on how Freeland might fit in.

I like that infusion of youth and toughness, Roberts said.

And given all the injuries, infusion is code for were running out of bodies here.

But dont get it twisted; Freelands promotion is not just a warm body scenario.

His versatility is a big bonus.

The guy has played shortstop, second, and third in various capacities, so he is not going in blindfolded here.

If all goes well, Freelands opportunity could turn into a secure spot in the Dodgers lineup.

Big League Pressure Whats next for Freeland? Well, hes stepping into what might be the most nerve-wracking moment of his career.

No pressure, right? But hey, if he can successfully juggle leading a league in walks and playing multi-positional baseball on the regular in Triple-A, the Majors might not entirely eat him alive.

For Dodgers fans, Freeland represents a glimmer of potential in a season that has been hit with several injury frustrations.

Even though this wasnt the debut Dodgers brass probably envisioned for their No.

3 prospect, it is an opportunity to see if Freeland can shine under the bright lights.

If he thrives? Great, the Dodgers have another young star.

If he flounders? Well, back to the Triple-A grind it is.

Final Thoughts All eyes will be on game three in Cincinnati .

Whether Freeland hits a homer or gets the yips on his first defensive play, one things for sure: this moment will set the tone for his Dodgers future.

And maybe, just maybe, fans will stop asking, Whos Freeland? and start saying, Hes our guy.

Stay tuned.

We are just as curious as you are.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission..

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