Dodgers confront difficult roster choice with Mookie Betts coming back

Dodgers’ Roster Dilemma with Betts’ Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with what could be described as a “good problem” for manager Dave Roberts. Still, it’s not quite that simple.

On a positive note, Mookie Betts is expected to come off the disabled list on Monday. His absence has been felt for over a month due to an oblique strain, and fans are eager to see him back on the field.

However, his return means the team must make some tough decisions regarding the active roster. As of Sunday, there were no straightforward solutions on the horizon.

“It could be a difficult conversation,” Roberts acknowledged, noting that a final decision had yet to be made. “We can say goodbye to every player we’re considering.”

Currently, three players—Alex Freeland, Kim Hye-sung, and Santiago Espinal—are under scrutiny for potential roster cuts. But here’s the thing: each player brings something to the table.

To put it mildly, Espinal’s performance has been subpar; with a batting average of .188 in very limited appearances, he’s struggled. Yet, he’s also the only one of the trio without a minor league option. This means if he’s taken off the roster, the team would have to designate him for assignment.

On the other hand, both Kim and Freeland could simply be sent to Triple-A, allowing the Dodgers to keep crucial depth in their lineup.

Another point to consider is that Betts’ return will likely reduce playing time for other players, including Freeland and Kim, who have stepped up in recent weeks. Even though there’s still an open spot at second base—a gap that will exist until Tommy Edman returns from ankle surgery—the young players have been gaining valuable experience lately with increased at-bats.

This situation could lead the Dodgers to retain Espinal, who won’t have a big impact in limited opportunities, while sending either Kim or Freeland back to Triple-A for regular playing time.

Of course, it would be easier to make these decisions if Kim and Freeland weren’t showing such promise. Just recently, Kim was hitting over .300 after being recalled due to Betts’ injury, and he successfully reduced his strikeout rate significantly—a key goal after his rookie season.

“I think he’s improved in controlling the strike zone,” Roberts said. “He’s able to hit, steal bases, and play solid defense. And he’s checked all those boxes.”

Freeland, too, has displayed encouraging growth, boosting his average to .288 over the last 18 games after starting the season slow. The team’s choice to keep him on the roster during spring training was telling—he was seen as having no more to prove at the Triple-A level.

Leading up to Sunday’s game, both Kim and Freeland struggled, and the entire offense went a combined 0-for-7 with numerous strikeouts. Despite this, Roberts seemed to imply that there might be enough playing time for both with Betts returning, although hints suggested that the organization isn’t comfortable with that forecast.