Dodgers: David Freese remains a crucial depth piece for the Dodgers

David Freese has been seldom used by the Dodgers in 2019.  Despite a reduction in games, he will still be an important depth piece in the postseason.

Despite not appearing in many games for the Dodgers this season, David Freese remains an important depth piece.  He has dealt with injuries this season which has limited his playing time and the reason he has appeared in just 74 games this season after appearing in 113 last season with the Pirates and Dodgers.  This season, Freese has been that break in case of an emergency piece.

With the postseason approaching, David Freese might be even more important to the Dodgers this season than he was last year.  Although he rarely plays third base these days, he can still play there if needed in addition to first base, which has been the only position he has played for the Dodgers in 2019.  Those two positions are exactly where the Dodgers may need David Freese this postseason.

Justin Turner remains out with an injured ankle although he pinch hit Friday nght.  He should return to the lineup any day now but even when he returns how he performs and his ability to stay in the everyday lineup will be something to monitor.  Justin Turner has been one of the most clutch Dodgers during the postseason which is something Freese also has a reputation of being.

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Then there is Max Muncy who is playing through a wrist fracture that is in the process of healing.  Since his return, Muncy has been lacking power and he has yet to hit a home run or at least provide hard contact at a consistent rate.

If Muncy re-aggravates the injury during the postseason, the Dodgers can plug Freese into the lineup at first base.  Max also experienced quad tightness Friday night so that will be another issue to monitor.

Despite limited work in 2019, David Freese has hit exceptionally well whenever he has been in the lineup.  Overall he has 11 home runs in 155 at-bats with a slash line of .310/.402/.1.002.  He has received the most work against left-handed starters and has hit .277 with a .511 slugging percentage against lefties.

David has actually hit better against right-handed pitching this season and sports a .361 average with a .738 slugging percentage against righties.  He also has six home runs in 61 AB’s against right-handed pitching versus five homers in 94 AB’s against southpaws.  Vin Scully often used the phrase that certain players could roll out of bed and hit, David Freese is one of those players.

Although the Dodgers have not played David Freese often during the 2019 season, they have made sure not to rush him back from injury, knowing his real value comes during October.  Freese is one of the most clutch postseason hitters in baseball and the Dodgers hope he still has some big postseason hits to add to his resumé.