The Los Angeles Dodgers have no shortage of superstars on their team, but still have some holes in their lineup. They could explore a move with Mookie Betts to fix things.
Michael Conforto is slashing a career worst .153/.291/.246 playing in left field. The Dodgers will have to make some sort of decision soon if they want to improve. FanSided’s Sam Phalen suggested the team could call up Alex Freeland to play shortstop and move Betts back to the outfield.
“Freeland is now hitting .290 with an OPS of .825 at Triple-A this season,” wrote Phalen. “He’s 23 years old and knocking on the door of the major leagues. He is also proving to be an impressive defensive shortstop, showing range to both sides with plus arm strength.”
It is worth noting that the Dodgers are not at full strength right now. Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernández are currently injured. That has led to Hyeseong Kim playing second base with Andy Pages, Conforto and James Outman getting outfield starts. Kim has also made a start in center field, but has primarily been used off the bench and as a second baseman.
Kim is hitting .318 and provides some real speed on the bases. When Edman returns, Kim could be a replacement for Conforto in the outfield, but calling up Freeland could solve more than one problem for the Dodgers. Calling up Freeland could allow Betts to play in the outfield, leaving Edman and Kim fighting for second base.
However, with Edman and Kim both available, the Dodgers could use Edman at third base, replacing Max Muncy, who has also struggled greatly. Muncy is showing signs of life, hitting .278 in his last five games, so perhaps Kim stays on the bench in this scenario, but moving Betts to the outfield would solve the Conforto problem for the Dodgers.
Betts has moved around the field pretty seamlessly in his career. A move back to the outfield would not be too difficult for him. The Dodgers have options now with Kim playing well, so they could explore moving Betts even if they do not call up Freeland.
“With Hernández on the Injured List and Conforto struggling at the plate, I wouldn’t hate seeing Betts move back to the outfield temporarily, either, well before Freeland’s arrival,” wrote Phalen.
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