Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Alex Freeland has been competing for an Opening Day roster spot with the Los Angeles Dodgers this spring, and the results have been positive.
Freeland entered the spring as the Dodgers’ No. 8 overall prospect and has demonstrated that his game can transfer to the Majors as a middle infielder.
The quality of his at-bats and ability to get on base via the walk have been on full display, and he has made good contact consistently.
However, the hits have been missing this month, with just one in nine appearances. Still, the attitude he has brought each day has impressed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, according to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic:
“I think the at-bat quality is still good,” Roberts said. “He’s not throwing out the hits. But even just kind of how he’s going about each day with not having success, for me, shows growth. So, I’m still high on him.”
After a strong start to the Cactus League season, he was not able to sustain it all the way through the schedule. While Freeland still ranks among the league leaders in walks, he has recorded just one in his last six games after averaging one per game in his first nine appearances.
With less than a week remaining on the Dodgers’ exhibition schedule, Freeland is still competing with Hyeseong Kim for the opening at second base created by Tommy Edman’s absence.
Dodgers don’t expect Tommy Edman back ‘any time soon’
While Freeland could make the Opening Day roster, he figures to be the odd one out once Tommy Edman returns from injury.
However, that won’t be for a while according to the latest reports. The Dodgers plan to continue slow-playing his return even though they have been encouraged by his recent return to baseball activities.
Edman said before the start of Spring Training that he wouldn’t force himself into action if his ankle isn’t completely back to full health.
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