Dodgers Expanded Roster: Alex Freeland Added, Justin Wrobleski Activated

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Alex Freeland from Triple-A Oklahoma City as part of multiple moves on the first day active rosters expanded to 28 players. He is up with the team for a third stint this season.

Freeland being chosen as the extra position player was somewhat of a surprise considering Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted at adding a left-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Teoscar Hernández. Though, Freeland’s ability to play multiple infield positions offers flexibility to move Tommy Edman into the outfield.

Freeland initially beat out Hyeseong Kim for a spot on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, though they both were on the team by April 5 due to Mookie Betts suffering a right oblique strain. When the Dodgers activated Betts off the injured list on May 11, it was Freeland who was optioned to OKC.

Freeland immediately earned Pacific Coast League Player of the Week honors and was back up with the Dodgers on May 27 as the corresponding move to Enrique Hernández landing back on the injured list. Freeland remained with the Dodgers until Hernández returned one month later.

During his time with the Dodgers this season, Freeland has hit .231/.309/.313 with seven doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI over 72 games.

Justin Wrobleski returns

Wrobleski is the extra pitcher the Dodgers chose to add to their roster. He had been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 16 because of left forearm inflammation.

Roberts downplayed concern over the injury, and Wrobleski joined the Comets for a rehab game this past Saturday. He allowed one run and collected two strikeouts over 1.1 innings. Despite that, it wasn’t fully clear that the left-hander would be ready to return at the start of the final month of the regular season.

While Wrobleski played a prominent role in the rotation that saw him earn a first career All-Star Game selection, he’s now poised to pitch out of the bullpen.

“I see him slotting into relief and being sort of a two-to-three-inning guy,” Roberts explained.

Wrobleski is 11-5 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.10 WHIP across 21 games (20 starts) this season. He ran into recent trouble before going on the injured list, as Wrobleski allowed 11 home runs over his past four starts.