From California Post · · 1m 30s
The Dodgers just handed a rookie the leadoff spot
Freddie Freeman is back in the lineup, but the bigger news is the 21-year-old hitting in front of him.
In brief
Freddie Freeman is back in the lineup, but the bigger news is the 21-year-old hitting in front of him. With Ohtani on the IL, the Dodgers are auditioning Josue De Paula as a leadoff man five games into his big-league career. Originally reported by California Post.
Freeman is back, sort of
Freddie Freeman returned to the Dodgers lineup Tuesday in Cincinnati, still playing through the right knee injury that has dogged him.
The real surprise
The bigger story was further up the card. Rookie DH Josue De Paula got the leadoff spot against Reds righty Rhett Lowder.
“that wasn't the biggest surprise in the team's new-look batting order”
Five games of experience
Tuesday was only De Paula's fifth major league game. He was called up straight from double-A Tulsa last week to cover for Shohei Ohtani, who is on the IL with left knee and right arm injuries.
He has already made noise
The 21-year-old drew five walks in his first 14 plate appearances, then collected his first two MLB hits Sunday in Miami: a home run and a double.
A postseason case
Ohtani's absence left the leadoff spot open, and the left-handed De Paula is suddenly in the conversation for a role in October.
Freeman's clock is ticking
He has missed three of the last five games and gone 3-for-30 since September began. Dave Roberts insists no IL stint is needed, but until Freeman hits, the worry stays.
In short
With Ohtani on the IL, the Dodgers are auditioning Josue De Paula as a leadoff man five games into his big-league career.
