Dodgers Make Key Change to Freddie Freeman’s Spot in the Lineup
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a notable adjustment to their batting order for Thursday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, moving first baseman Freddie Freeman to the No. 2 spot for the first time since May 17.
Freeman, a future Hall of Famer and the team’s most consistent run producer, will hit behind Mookie Betts and ahead of center fielder Andy Pages as the Dodgers look to win the series after a 7-0 shutout on Wednesday. The change, reported by Underdog MLB and confirmed by the team’s official lineup release, signals a return to a top-of-the-order alignment that Dodgers fans saw frequently in 2023.
Shohei Ohtani, who started Tuesday’s game as the leadoff hitter and delivered a double and a triple, is getting the day off following his two-way performance, according to beat writer Jack Harris. That opened the door for Betts to lead off, with Freeman slotting in directly behind him.
Freeman enters Thursday’s game batting .276 with 62 hits, nine home runs, 34 RBIs, 31 runs, and two stolen bases in 59 games this season. He is in his fifth year with the Dodgers after signing a six-year, $162 million contract in March 2022.
Betting Markets React: Freeman a Top Home Run Prop
The lineup change came alongside a surge in betting interest on Freeman to hit a home run Thursday. According to a Thursday analysis by Sports Illustrated’s Iain MacMillan, Freeman is listed at +470 on FanDuel to go deep against Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson.
Nelson has struggled significantly with the long ball in 2026, allowing 2.1 home runs per nine innings pitched—the highest rate among any pitcher scheduled to start Thursday. MacMillan highlighted Freeman’s slugging percentage (.471) and his recent power surge as key reasons to back the left-handed hitter.
“No pitcher who will be on the mound today has a higher home runs allowed rate than Ryne Nelson,” MacMillan wrote. “That sets us up for an obvious time to bet on a member of the Dodgers to hit a home run.”
Freeman homered just two days ago, launching a two-run shot in the first inning of Tuesday’s 6-5 win over the Diamondbacks. That blast was his 376th career home run, tying Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk for 83rd on MLB’s all-time list.
Why This Move Matters: Freeman’s Role in a Tight NL West Race
The Dodgers entered Thursday with a 37–24 record, holding a slim lead in the National League West over the San Diego Padres. Every game in the division carries extra weight, and the team’s decision to reshuffle the top of the order reflects manager Dave Roberts’ desire to maximize run production against a division opponent.
Freeman has been a focal point of the Dodgers’ offense all season. His .276 average is below his career mark of .300, but his on-base skills and ability to drive in runs remain elite. Moving him to the No. 2 spot puts him in a position to hit with Betts on base—a scenario that has historically worked well.
“Feels like 2023 again with Mookie leading off,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in reaction to the lineup. In 2023, Betts led off in 117 games and Freeman hit second in 123, combining to form one of baseball’s most productive duos.
Recent Performance: Freeman and Ohtani Carry the Load
Tuesday’s win over Arizona was a showcase of Freeman and Ohtani’s impact. Freeman opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning. Ohtani followed with a two-run triple in the second, and both contributed to another two-run rally in the seventh. The Dodgers needed every bit of that production, as the bullpen nearly squandered the lead before holding on for a 6-5 victory.
Freeman also made a critical defensive play in the seventh inning, ranging far to his right to spear a grounder on his backhand and throw to second for the final out of the inning. His all-around performance drew praise from manager Dave Roberts, who called it a “good team win.”
As the 2026 MLB season reaches its midpoint, Freeman’s consistency has been a steadying force. For fans following the latest MLB All-Star voting updates, Freeman is again a leading candidate at first base.
Broader Implications: What This Change Signals for the Dodgers Down the Stretch
Thursday’s lineup shuffle may be a temporary move tied to Ohtani’s day off, but it also hints at a larger strategic recalibration. With the Dodgers’ offense prone to occasional dry spells—they were shut out three times in May—Roberts is exploring all levers to spark consistent production.
Freeman’s ability to hit for both average and power makes him a natural fit near the top of the order. His .471 slugging percentage, while slightly down from last season, still ranks among the top third of MLB first basemen. And his nine home runs put him on pace for roughly 25, a solid total for a player who turns 37 in September.
The Dodgers also face uncertainty in their rotation and bullpen, as Tuesday’s game highlighted. Starter Eric Lauer lasted only 4⅔ innings, and the bullpen nearly collapsed. The lineup change suggests the Dodgers are prioritizing early runs to take pressure off a pitching staff that has been inconsistent.
The Nelson Factor: A Pitcher Primed for Exploitation
Ryne Nelson, Arizona’s starter Thursday, has been one of the most hittable pitchers in the National League. His 2.1 home runs per nine innings is the worst mark among active starters, and his ERA sits at 5.67. The Dodgers, who lead the NL in runs per game against right-handed pitchers, are well-positioned to capitalize.
Freeman’s career numbers against Nelson are limited but favorable—two hits in five at-bats, including a home run. If Thursday’s game follows the pattern of Tuesday’s, the Dodgers’ top-of-the-order duo could put runs on the board quickly.
Looking Ahead: A Schedule Full of Division Games
The Dodgers have 11 games remaining against the Diamondbacks this season, including this series. With the Padres and Giants also lurking in the division, every head-to-head win matters. Freeman’s experience and clutch hitting will be essential as the calendar turns toward July.
For fans interested in the intersection of sports and pop culture, the current MLB season continues to deliver storylines, much like other major events such as the recent Love Island departure or the Summer House reunion drama. But on the field, Freeman’s resurgence at the plate could be the difference between a division title and a wild-card berth.
As the first pitch approaches, all eyes are on Chase Field to see if the lineup change pays off. If Freeman’s recent performance is any guide, the Dodgers may have found a winning formula.
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