Freeman's New Spot in Dodgers' Lineup: A Strategic Move
Freddie Freeman's appearance in the fifth spot for the Dodgers during Monday night's Freeway Series against the Angels marks a rare shift in his batting order. With Reid Detmers, a left-hander, starting on the mound, this adjustment is noteworthy. The last time Freeman batted lower than fourth was nearly a decade ago-April 25, 2016, to be exact-when he hit sixth for the Braves against the Red Sox, grabbing two hits, including a double.
Since joining the Dodgers, Freeman has consistently been a top-four hitter, starting second (250 times), third (331 times), or fourth (61 times). However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is open to strategic changes, especially with a lefty pitcher on the mound.
Roberts explained, “A lot of times when I put together a lineup, I’m trying to make it more difficult for the opposing manager to navigate.”
This isn't the first time Roberts has shuffled the lineup. Late in the 2024 season and throughout 2025, Freeman often batted cleanup, particularly when Teoscar Hernández or Will Smith preceded him. The strategy aimed to challenge opposing managers by forcing them to face two right-handed batters before reaching Freeman if they wanted to keep a lefty pitcher in the game.
Roberts once dubbed this strategy the “Teoscar tax,” a move that paid off when Hernández hit a crucial three-run homer against the Tigers' Tarik Skubal in last year's home opener.
Now, with Kyle Tucker and Freeman as dynamic left-handers at the top, followed by Mookie Betts, the Dodgers showcase their lineup depth. It's impressive that Hernández or Max Muncy often find themselves batting seventh. Moving Freeman to fifth instead of fourth further emphasizes the strength of this lineup.
On Monday, Max Muncy is sitting out, with Santiago Espinal covering third base. Roberts noted, “Having the ability to sandwich Will between Mookie and Freddie, and having Espinal in the seven spot to potentially have Muncy be able to hit, it just poses threats, and not to have right- or left-handed runs. That makes our lineup tougher to navigate.”
This strategic lineup adjustment highlights the Dodgers' depth and Roberts' tactical acumen, making them a formidable challenge for any opposing team.