As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers declared shortstop Mookie Betts activated from the injured list today. Now we know who is being optioned. Alex Freeland is being sent down to Oklahoma City upon Betts’ return, according to Jack Harris of the California Post. This choice may surprise some, but the general consensus is that it had to be a right-handed bat due to the roster construction.
Mookie Betts Activated by Dodgers, Alex Freeland Optioned
Mookie Mended?
When Betts came out of a game nearly a month ago after running the bases, the earliest diagnosis was back pain. It was later revised to an oblique injury. Manager Dave Roberts was confident they caught it early. Even so, injured obliques have uncertain recovery periods. Betts checked all the boxes before reinstatement. However, when Betts felt something in the batting cage, things were put on hold for a few days. He resumed normal baseball activities soon after that. The Dodgers are so confident he’s healthy that his rehab assignment lasted all of two games. Let’s hope they are right.
Alex Freeland is expected to be optioned by the Dodgers with Mookie Betts returning from the injured list, per source
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) May 11, 2026
Three Options
The biggest question facing the Dodgers with Mookie Betts activated was, who would be demoted? Hyeseong Kim has made the most of his opportunity since getting the Dodgers’ final roster spot out of spring training. He is hitting .289 to start the season, although his bat has long been considered his weakness. He is more than decent with the glove. His left-handed bat also gives the team greater flexibility. Santiago Espinal, who impressed coming out of spring training, has cooled off drastically. With limited playing time, his at-bat quality has been found wanting. But Espinal’s saving grace is that he can play multiple positions, including third base. The Dodgers value flexibility, and this gives Max Muncy days off against left-handed pitchers.
This meant that Freeland would be behind two others vying for playing time. Although there were flashes of offensive potential, Freeland was unable to sustain the offensive production that the Los Angeles lineup needs right now. In the minors, he’ll get a chance to work on his offense by playing every day.
Will Mookie Be the Answer?
For whatever reason, the Dodgers’ offense is struggling right now. It would be unreasonable for the Dodgers to bet on Betts to fix it all. But it certainly won’t hurt.
Main Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
