MLB Rookie Report: Mike Freeman, OF-INF, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks promoted infielder/outfielder Michael Freeman to the major league roster yesterday. He made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 0-for-3 with a walk and three strikeouts.

Freeman is a minor league vet, age 28, originally drafted by Arizona in the 11th round in 2010 from Clemson University. He was a four-year starter for Clemson, hitting .316/.393/.431 in his career overall and .331/.402/.498 his senior year. He's spent the last two and a half seasons at Triple-A Reno, hitting .315/.376/.421 in 957 at-bats with 93 walks and 151 strikeouts. He's also stolen 27 bases in 28 attempts in Triple-A and has swiped 129 in 150 attempts in  his career.

A left-handed hitter listed at 6-1, 190, Freeman has been groomed as a utility man, seeing substantial playing time at second base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions during his career. Second base is the best fit but he is competent everywhere. Despite the three strikeouts in his first MLB game his reputation is as a contact hitter; he lacks over-the-fence power but has shown some gap pop at times. He runs well and is very adept at using his speed on the bases and in the field.

Although he's hit for high averages in the friendly PCL, his track record in more difficult environments was less impressive: he hit just .237/.330/.315 in 650 at-bats in the Double-A Southern League in '13 and '14.

Overall, Freeman projects as a 25th/26th man due to his defensive versatility, base-running and contact bat.

Here's some defensive prowess.