Key Dodgers player injured, Freeland's versatility will be put to the test.

Alex Freeland was drafted and developed as a shortstop, but when he was called up to the Dodgers last week, he realized he might not get much time at his familiar position. The Dodgers' No. 3 prospect (ranked 35th overall in MLB) ended up starting all four of his initial games in the big leagues at third base.

“Wherever they need me,” he said, “I’ll be ready.”

Now, Freeland's versatility will be tested.

It’s unclear how long Freeland’s first trip to the majors will last, as third baseman Max Muncy is set to return after missing nearly five weeks due to a left knee bone bruise. However, when Tommy Edman aggravated his lingering right ankle injury while running the bases on Monday, it opened the door for Freeland to extend his stay in the majors.

Muncy was activated on Tuesday, while Edman returned to the 10-day injured list due to a right ankle sprain, which is the same ankle he has been dealing with since his injury at the end of April and subsequent return from the injured list in mid-May.

Freeland remains with the Dodgers; although Muncy is back, his opportunities at third base may be limited, but he should see considerable playing time at second base, at least until Gavin Lux returns from the injured list due to left shoulder bursitis.

“Alex will be getting more time at second base,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters at Dodger Stadium the day before yesterday. “He’ll start at second tomorrow, then on Thursday he’ll go back to third. But I think for Alex, this means he’ll be getting more time at second.”

During his four seasons in the minors, Freeland primarily played shortstop, with third base a distant second. He has also started nine games at second base—including one this year—where he has a perfect fielding percentage in a limited sample of 78 innings.

Currently, Freeland may share time at second base with veteran Miguel Rojas, who started at that position on Monday night. Freeland is a switch hitter, but throughout his minor league career, he has performed better from the left side, posting a .828 OPS against right-handed pitchers and a .709 OPS against lefties this year in Oklahoma City.

Freeland can also back up Muncy as needed, which is a sensible arrangement since the Dodgers' starting third baseman has missed a month of major league play. Muncy will get a day off on Thursday, leaving the third base position open for Freeland.

Getting extended time in the majors could be a huge opportunity for Freeland. He has performed well in his first four games, collecting four hits in 13 at-bats, including some solid contact, and recording his first RBI. However, in his early 15 plate appearances, he has struck out six times and drawn one walk, with a notably high whiff rate.

This small sample size doesn’t necessarily indicate how Freeland will perform against major league pitching. If he gets more time, this 23-year-old may establish a case to remain with the Dodgers, even when players like Lux and Edman return from the injured list. The former could be back soon, while the latter currently has no timetable for return.