Alternate Dodgers infield alignments if Freddie Freeman misses time with injury

Every Los Angeles Dodgers fans got a glimpse of their worst nightmare on Tuesday when Freddie Freeman exited Team Canada's World Baseball Classic matchup against Colombia with an injured hamstring.

Right now, it's supposedly a "slight" injury (whatever that means), but it kept him out for Canada's win-or-go-home game against Mexico on Wednesday. Given the complexities with hamstring issues, it's not outlandish to assume Freeman could miss his first Opening Day ever (his streak dates back to 2011).

The Dodgers don't have a backup first baseman (and have overall weak infield depth). Well, they do. It's Max Muncy. But that would force them to restructure their entire infield alignment. We can't say it was irresponsible for the Dodgers not to have someone immediately behind Freeman since he's missed just 10 games since the start of the 2018 ... but they could've done better elsewhere.

What might the infield look like should Freeman miss time and not be ready for the start of the season? It's certainly something to worry about because the Dodgers have already had terrible injury luck thus far (Gavin Lux, Tony Gonsolin, Daniel Hudson).

Alternate Dodgers infield alignments if Freddie Freeman misses Opening Day

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #1

• 1B: Max Muncy
• 2B: Chris Taylor
• SS: Miguel Rojas
• 3B: Miguel Vargas

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #2

• 1B: Miguel Vargas
• 2B: Chris Taylor
• SS: Miguel Rojas
• 3B: Max Muncy

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #3

• 1B: Max Muncy/Miguel Vargas
• 2B: Mookie Betts
• SS: Miguel Rojas
• 3B: Max Muncy/Miguel Vargas

*This would allow the Dodgers to keep their outfield more flexible by utilizing all of Taylor, David Peralta, James Outman, Jason Heyward and/or Trayce Thompson

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #4

• 1B: Max Muncy
• 2B: Miguel Vargas
• SS: Chris Taylor
• 3B: Miguel Rojas

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #5

• 1B: Miguel Rojas
• 2B: Miguel Vargas
• SS: Chris Taylor
• 3B: Max Muncy

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #6

• 1B: Max Muncy
• 2B: Miguel Vargas
• SS: Miguel Rojas
• 3B: Yonny Hernandez

Dodgers alternate infield alignment #7

• 1B: Luke Williams
• 2B: Miguel Vargas
• SS: Miguel Rojas
• 3B: Max Muncy

Betts has been playing some second base with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, so it's becoming more and more realistic he's logging reps there for the Dodgers in 2023 -- at least during the first half of the season, as they battle through roster issues/injuries.

Freeman potentially hitting the IL could open the door for Williams or Hernandez, both of whom should be a last resort option, though. Muncy, Rojas, Vargas and Taylor are all versatile, so manager Dave Roberts has a number of combinations he can work with.

It's not ideal, but few other teams have this kind of flexibility to still field a winning squad despite losing arguably their best player.