Freeman Returns to 2-Hole; Hernandez Benched in Shakeup
Dodgers Shake Up Lineup as Freeman Returns to #2 Spot and Snell Joins Rotation
The Big Picture
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made several important changes to his team on Tuesday — all aimed at sparking better performance as the regular season enters its final seven weeks. Think of it like a teacher rearranging seats in class to help everyone work better together.
What Changed in the Lineup?
Freddie Freeman Moves Up
- New spot: Batting second in the order (the "#2 hole")
- Last time there: June 7 — nearly two months ago
- Why now? Freeman has been on fire lately:
.439batting average (gets a hit nearly half the time!).456on-base percentage (reaches base almost every other plate appearance)- Over his last 17 games since July 22
Important: Roberts said Freeman will stay in the #2 spot "for the foreseeable future" against right-handed pitchers.
Teoscar Hernández Gets a Rest
- Why? Struggling badly against right-handed pitching:
- Only 1 hit in last 6 games with 7 strikeouts
- Since June 30:
.193average, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 30 strikeouts - Season vs righties: just
.238average
- Roberts’ words: "Versus right just hasn’t been to his standard, our standard."
- Not a full benching: Hernández will still play vs left-handed pitchers. Off days vs righties will increase for now.
Alex Call Steps In
- Starting in left field for first time since July 21
- This is not a permanent platoon (job-sharing arrangement) — just giving Hernández breaks while trying to jumpstart his bat.
The Revolving Door at #2
| Player | When They Batted #2 |
|---|---|
| Kyle Tucker | Opening Day |
| Freddie Freeman | Early May |
| Mookie Betts | Short stint |
| Andy Pages | Late May → recently |
| Freddie Freeman | Back again as of Tuesday |
Pages’ recent numbers (23 games): .267 avg / .347 OBP
Freeman’s recent numbers (17 games): .439 avg / .456 OBP
The math made the decision easy.
Freeman’s One Missing Piece: Power
- Last home run: July 4 — that’s 29 games ago without a long ball
- Roberts and the team hope the #2 spot — with more runners on base — might help Freeman find his power stroke again
Injury Updates
Dalton Rushing (Catcher) — Good News!
- On IL since August 3 with elbow discomfort
- Monday: Swung a bat for first time — "feels 10 times better than a week ago"
- No surgery planned — rehabbing the forearm muscle
- Timeline? "As soon as I can throw, I’ll be ready to catch"
- Rushing’s mindset: "We’ve got two months at least of playing baseball… when the season’s over, and we have another World Series, then we can worry about what the next step is."
Blake Treinen (Reliever) — Moved to 60-Day IL
- Out since June 19 with right elbow inflammation
- No setback — just wasn’t going to be ready within the 60-day window
- Good spirits, could face hitters in a simulated game this weekend
- No timetable for return to active roster
Will Klein (Reliever) — Diagnosis: Bone Spurs
- On IL with elbow issue
- Diagnosed as bone spurs
- Intends to return this season
Roster Moves to Make Room for Blake Snell
The Dodgers activated left-hander Blake Snell (two-time Cy Young winner!) for his second start of the season. To make space:
- Blake Treinen → 60-day IL (see above)
- Charlie Barnes (lefty reliever) → Optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City
- Was recalled Monday, now sent down after one day
The ABS Challenge Situation
ABS = Automated Ball-Strike System (robot umps for challenges)
- Dodgers are a top-10 team in runs gained when hitting and challenging calls
- Problem: When to challenge — players sometimes use challenges at bad times
- Roberts’ action: Had conversations with several players about:
- Understanding consequences
- Leverage — knowing the right moment (high-leverage situations)
- Possible next step: Roberts hasn’t ruled out telling certain players not to challenge if they can’t grasp the strategy
What’s Next?
| Game | Matchup | Time | TV/Radio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Royals (LHP Daniel Lynch IV, 4-3, 2.45 ERA) @ Dodgers (LHP Eric Lauer, 6-6, 4.89 ERA) | 7:10 p.m. | Spectrum SportsNet, 570 AM, 1020 AM |
Summary
- Lineup shuffle: Freeman back to #2 vs righties (hot bat), Hernández rests vs righties (cold bat), Call gets a start
- Rushing progressing: Swinging again, no surgery, targeting return this season
- Snell activated: Two-time Cy Young winner makes 2nd start; Treinen to 60-day IL, Barnes to Triple-A
- Klein diagnosed: Bone spurs, hopes to return
- ABS talks: Roberts addressing challenge discipline with players
- Next up: Eric Lauer vs Daniel Lynch Wednesday night
FAQ
1. Why does batting order position matter so much?
The #2 hitter comes up often with runners on base and sets the table for the big boppers (like Ohtani, Betts, Freeman himself). A high on-base percentage there creates scoring chances.
2. What’s a "platoon" in baseball?
When two players share one position based on the opposing pitcher’s handedness — e.g., Player A vs lefties, Player B vs righties. Roberts said this isn’t a full platoon yet — just more off days for Hernández vs righties.
3. What is the 60-day IL and why does it matter?
The 60-day Injured List removes a player from the 40-man roster (freeing a spot for someone else). Treinen was moved there because he won’t be ready soon — but it buys the team roster flexibility.
4. What are "bone spurs" and can Klein really pitch through them?
Bone spurs are bony projections that form along joint edges. They can cause pain/inflammation. Some pitchers manage them in-season with treatment and pitch through discomfort — but surgery is often needed eventually.
5. How do ABS challenges work?
In games with the Automated Ball-Strike System, teams get a limited number of challenges per game to appeal ball/strike calls to the robot umpire. Using them wisely — in high-leverage moments — is a strategic skill.