Freeland plates surprise stolen base as Dodgers fend off Padres 5-4
Freeland went 0-for-1 with a walk and his first career stolen base in Sunday’s 5-4 victory over the Padres. Over his last 10 games, he has slumped to 2-for-25 but has drawn seven walks and posted 10 strikeouts, reflecting a mix of patience at the plate and limited results. He remains in the lineup as the Dodgers try to cover holes in an infield damaged by injuries to Max Muncy (oblique), Tommy Edman (ankle) and Enrique Hernandez (elbow). Sunday’s stolen base was the first of Freeland’s major-league career, and through 15 games he is batting .167 with two RBIs and six runs scored.
What it means and added context
– Freeland’s speed gives him a valuable spark even as his power numbers lag; projecting him as a regular contributor could hinge on increasing on-base opportunities.
– With infield depth stretched by injuries, Freeland’s playing time could stay steady, offering him a chance to build consistency at the plate and defensively.
– The win keeps the Dodgers competitive in a tight race, and Freeland’s continued presence in the lineup provides a flexible option as the team navigates a crowded roster.
Summary take
A tight win highlighted Freeland’s unique contributions: a walk and his first stolen base, helping the Dodgers secure the victory while he works to translate patience at the plate into more consistent hitting.
Outlook
As Freeland gains more plate appearances with the infield unsettled, there’s an opportunity for him to show growth and potentially establish a steadier offensive role. If he can couple his speed with more base hits and walks, he could become an even more valuable piece during this stretch of injuries.