Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Freeland addressed the media at a team press conference on June 17, 2026, describing how Shohei Ohtani's confidence spreads through the entire lineup.
"It's kind of just like a domino effect," Freeland said. "It goes all the way down so if he gets hot and then the next person gets hot and then it just goes down the line." He added that the team finds a collective rhythm when the pitcher gets going: "When he finds his stride, the flow of the game goes so easy."
Freeland also noted Max Muncy's work at third base, stating that Muncy played there for a good majority of the game and displayed quick reflexes at a demanding position. "That's hard to do at the hot corner," Freeland acknowledged. Freeland also mentioned that pitcher Rubel was throwing an effective game, which he said contributed to the team's locked-in defensive rhythm.
Manager Dave Roberts singled out a double play Freeland started with Will Klein on the mound as a notable play. Freeland explained that he coordinated positioning with Mookie Betts just before the play unfolded. "I talked to Mookie like right before it happened — just what we wanted to do and where we wanted to position ourselves — and it worked out," he stated.
On a lighter note, when asked why he was the player holding sunflower seeds in the dugout, Freeland laughed and said he simply happened to be awake at the time.
Freeland also acknowledged a bunt attempt in the third inning, clarifying that the coaching staff called the play and that he failed to execute it. "No, they asked me to bunt and I messed that up," he said.