Freddie frees his swing, launches 1st spring HR -- and so does Kim

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Part of Freddie Freeman's reality this year is that he will have to manage his surgically repaired right ankle for much of the first half of the season. So even as he wants to go full bore, as usual, he has to remain mindful of his health.

On Saturday afternoon, though, he didn't have to test his ankle too much.

Freeman went deep for the first time this spring when the Dodgers took on the rival Giants at Camelback Ranch, getting all of a hanging slider in his third at-bat of the game in the sixth inning. Los Angeles' 6-5 win marked Freeman's second Cactus League game this spring, as he was limited coming into camp while continuing to rehab his right ankle.

"Freddie had a great day," manager Dave Roberts said, "two hard-hit balls and then the homer, which was really hit. He had a great day of work."

Offseason addition Hyeseong Kim, who endured a slow start to spring while making adjustments to his swing, also hit his first Cactus League homer, an opposite-field shot to left in the fifth inning.

Freeman made his spring debut on Thursday and lined a single in his first at-bat, an encouraging sign with the regular season rapidly approaching. The Dodgers open the season against the Cubs in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19.

More important to Freeman was that his swing and timing felt good, despite only having taken backfield at-bats up to that point. He would ideally like to get 30 competitive at-bats under his belt by the time the Dodgers have completed their exhibition games in Japan.

Freeman served as the designated hitter in his first two Cactus League games, and he's set to get his first start at first base on Sunday at Camelback Ranch.

Kim, who played the past eight seasons in the KBO and joined the Dodgers on a three-year, $12.5 million deal, is competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. He entered the day with only one hit in 14 Cactus League at-bats, but reached base in all three plate appearances on Saturday.

As Kim continues to adjust to higher velocities in the big leagues, the Dodgers would like him to focus on controlling the strike zone and making quality contact when he puts the ball in play.

The more reps Kim gets, the more comfortable he thinks his revamped approach will feel. Even in spring, a big swing can be a confidence booster.

"This is my first interview because I hit a home run," Kim said through an interpreter. "I want to do that as much as possible."