Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The first day of expanded rosters saw the Los Angeles Dodgers add Alex Freeland from Triple-A Oklahoma City while also activating Will Smith, Dalton Rushing and Justin Wrobleski off the injured list.
Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment in order to make room for Smith on the 40-man roster, and the Dodgers optioned Alek Thomas back to OKC in order to welcome Rushing back. There had been indications the Dodgers were going to call up an outfielder from Triple-A — likely James Tibbs III — in order to form a platoon with Teoscar Hernández.
The Dodgers instead opted for Freeland and are putting their faith in veterans to get on track during the final month of the regular season.
“That’s part of the thought,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I do tend to give guys more leash, given what they’ve done and looking at how they can handle a potential big moment in the postseason — that’s important — until I can’t. So every day is a test, and you got to keep evaluating. And I expect as the calendar is turned, the intensity to ramp up even more.”
Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández plans
With Freeland in some sense replacing Thomas on the roster, the Dodgers have added flexibility with their infielders but created somewhat of a need in center field. That’s where Tommy Edman is going to slot in, rather than be an option to platoon with Hernández.
“I don’t see Tommy in left right now,” Roberts began. “We didn’t bring up an outfielder, and I think that’s part of, for right now, the bet on Teo that he can right the ship. So that’s kind of where we’re at, but obviously, we can pivot if we need, If it makes sense.”
Edman started in center field on Tuesday, which he had otherwise only done twice this season. Overall, Edman has now played four games in center. His lone instance doing so without starting at the position was sliding over after playing seven innings in left field.
Meanwhile, Roberts and the Dodgers are counting on Hernández emerging from his season-long struggles.
In 51 games before suffering a left hamstring strain, Hernández batted .276/.348/.436 with eight doubles, seven home runs, 31 RBI and a 117 wRC+. Since returning he’s hit .220/.273/.353 with six doubles, five home runs, 15 RBI and a 72 wRC+ in 51 games as well.
For at least the time being Hernández appears to be in position to continue making regular starts.
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