The Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising announcement Thursday night, as they placed All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman on the injured list due to his ankle injury. The move was retroactive to March 31, meaning he’ll be out at least one week.
While the team announced Freeman was on the IL, they didn’t announce the corresponding roster move.
The Dodgers have likely already made that decision, as that player will need to meet the team in Philadelphia for their upcoming three-game series against the Phillies beginning Friday night. The question remains, though, who they’ll be calling up. Here are a few options:
1. Dalton Rushing
Rushing’s path to joining the big league roster has been blocked by catchers Will Smith and Austin Barnes. However, Rushing does have experience playing first base, and this could be his best opportunity to make his MLB debut for the foreseeable future barring an injury.
The Dodgers have wanted to see how Rushing’s bat would play at the MLB level. This would be a perfect week to see what he can do. The fact that he’s a left-handed bat doesn’t hurt, either.
Rushing, however, isn’t on the 40-man roster, so L.A. would have to open a 40-man spot.
2. James Outman
While Outman wouldn’t directly help by taking over at first base, the outfielder would give L.A. another left-handed bat with Freeman out. Outman could obviously play in center field, where Andy Pages has struggled to start the year.
Outman is on the 40-man roster, making it an easier roster move.
3. Hunter Feduccia
Like Outman, Feduccia is on the 40-man roster. While he’s mainly a catcher, he has limited past experience playing first base, and is also left-handed.
4. Other Options
The Dodgers could also elect to call up any of Hyeseong Kim (on the 40-man roster and left-handed), David Bote (not on the 40-man roster and right-handed), or Eddie Rosario (not on the 40-man roster and left-handed). Bote has some experience at first base, while Kim is a middle infielder and Rosario is an outfielder.
