Dodgers call up top prospect Alex Freeland for MLB debut as infielder Hyeseong Kim lands on 10‑day injured list due to shoulder bursitis

The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially made a roster change before Tuesday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, calling up their top infield prospect Alex Freeland and placing utilityman Hyeseong Kim on the team’s 10‑day injured list due to left shoulder bursitis. The move marks a significant moment for both players and the club, with Freeland set to make his Major League debut and Kim beginning a stint on the IL as he works his way back from injury.

Alex Freeland, the 23‑year‑old switch‑hitting infielder, was the Dodgers’ third‑round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Central Florida. Ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Dodgers organization and No. 35 in all of baseball, Freeland has earned the call‑up after a strong showing in Triple‑A Oklahoma City, where over 94 games in 2025 he batted .253 with 12 home runs, 26 doubles, 71 RBIs, 17 stolen bases, and an on‑base percentage of .377, combining for a .798–.799 OPS. His combination of plate discipline—he led the Pacific Coast League in walks—and defensive versatility (primarily shortstop, with time at third and second base) made him a compelling candidate for the promotion.

Freeland’s debut will mark his first appearance with the Dodgers at the Major League level. The club did not need to make a 40‑man roster move to add him because an open spot was already available. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that the team had been weighing various roster options, including potentially going with Tommy Edman, who was recently recovering from a right ankle tweak, but ultimately decided Freeland’s call‑up aligned with their needs. Presently, it’s expected that Freeland will see most of his time at third base, in light of Kim’s injury and Max Muncy’s recent return from a left knee bone bruise.

Hyeseong Kim, 26, has been one of the Dodgers’ most surprising stories this season. Signed on January 3, 2025, to a three‑year, $12.5 million contract (with team options to potentially reach $22 million total), Kim arrived from the Korea Baseball Organization after eight seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes. Known for his defensive excellence—he collected four KBO Golden Gloves between 2021 and 2024—and speed, Kim posted a .304 batting average in each of his KBO seasons. In his first few months in MLB, he slashed .304/.338/.406 over 58 games, with two home runs, 15 RBIs, 12 stolen bases (in 12 attempts), and 38 hits. He’s also showcased his versatility, logging time at second base, shortstop, and center field in his first big‑league campaign.

In the days leading up to the roster move, Kim had visibly struggled at the plate, going 0‑for‑3 with a sacrifice bunt on Monday in a Dodgers win in Cincinnati. Manager Roberts acknowledged that Kim had been dealing with left shoulder pain for approximately a week and attributed his recent offensive struggles—slumping to a .193 average over his last 21 games with an .418 OPS—to the injury. Roberts noted, “He’s fighting it. Will never admit it. But you can just see offensively with the bat, he’s just not himself right now.”

Kim joins a growing list of Dodgers on the injured list this season; he becomes the team’s 14th IL placement. While the timeline for his return is at least ten days, the team will use this period to allow him to rest and rehabilitate his shoulder with the hope of returning healthy and refreshed.

For Alex Freeland, this promotion represents a tremendous opportunity. Developing through the Dodgers’ system, Freeland has steadily improved—particularly in 2024, where he logged an impressive combined .384 on‑base percentage, 18 home runs, and 31 stolen bases across three levels, finishing strong with 39 games in Triple‑A. Scouts especially praise his plus arm, rangy defense at shortstop, and switch‑hitting bat that shows patience and power. Analysts expect him to project as a potential 20‑home run, average‑to‑above average offensive player over time.

This season, Freeland’s skill set makes him a valuable piece as the Dodgers look to deepen their infield. Even if Muncy and others return to form, Freeland provides versatility and upside. Whether he ends up as a regular part of the Dodgers’ infield in 2025 or a key trade asset for the future remains to be seen, but his call‑up is a statement about the organization’s faith in his readiness.

From Kim’s side, the injury pause comes at a frustrating moment. After a scorching rookie MLB debut—highlighted by a .452 average and 1.065 OPS in his first games—he cooled off noticeably as the toll of shoulder bursitis became evident. Despite the slump, Kim had quickly become a fan favorite, drawing praise from management for his work ethic and versatility. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman lauded him early in his Dodgers tenure: “Beyond just how endearing he is to his teammates, just the energy he brings, the foot speed, the versatility as well… he’s done a great job.”

Going forward, the Dodgers will rely on Freeland and other utility options to fill playing time at second and third base. Max Muncy’s return remains ongoing, and the club may lean on James Outman or Justin Turner in certain situations to cover positions. Freeland’s debut timing suggests he could make an impact if he adjusts quickly to big‑league play. Meanwhile, Kim’s rehabilitation timeline will determine his role—whether he returns as a regular contributor or as a super‑utility element once healthy.

The move underscores the Dodgers’ strategy to build depth with high‑ceiling prospects while managing injuries to veteran players. Freeland’s ascension and Kim’s temporary absence offer a look into how Los Angeles balances development and performance midseason. The Dodgers, chasing another postseason run, will be watching closely to see how quickly Freeland adapts and how effectively Kim can bounce back.

In summary, this week’s transaction reflects both challenge and opportunity: Kim’s shoulder setback forces a veteran contributor to step aside, but it opens the door for Freeland to take the field. His debut may deliver fresh energy and talent at a critical juncture in the Dodgers’ season. As Kim recuperates, the hope is he’ll return with renewed strength and swing mechanics, ready to resume his promising debut season once again.