Dave Roberts ‘Doesn’t See Any World’ Where Freddie Freeman Isn’t in Dodgers Lineup For Game 1
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn’t “see any world” where Freddie Freeman isn’t in the lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS next Saturday, per Jack Harris of The Los Angeles Times.
The first baseman sustained an ankle injury in the series finale against the San Diego Padres Thursday night. Although the Dodgers earned a 7-2 triumph to clinch the division, Freeman’s injury was just another part of the turmoil the club has endured in 2024.
Freeman rolled his ankle after he tried to avoid a tag on a play at first. He exited the game on his own volition, but his departure managed to silence a rowdy crowd at Dodger Stadium. Kiké Hernández replaced the first baseman in the eighth inning.
At the Dodgers’ clubhouse celebration, Freeman was wearing a walking boot. The first baseman’s x-rays came back negative which is certainly a step in the right direction.
“It’s swollen,” Freeman told MLB.com’s Juan Toribio. “But they’re pretty optimistic that I should be able to go by Saturday in the playoffs. That’s what I’m banking on. I’ve never rolled an ankle, so I don’t know. It’s pretty large right now.”
His injury is the latest obstacle the club has had to endure. In order to ensure the first baseman is ready for the postseason, he won’t be traveling with the team to Colorado for the final three games of the season against the Rockies. The All-Star has a little over a week to rest and recover.
This is Freeman’s second injury of the season. He missed a few games in earlier this month due to a finger injury.
The hope is that Freeman can return to the Dodgers in full form for October baseball. Freeman slashed .282/.378/.476 this season. He finished the season with 22 homers and 89 RBIs.
It’s evident the Dodgers haven’t come out of the regular season unscathed, but the team somehow managed to win the division despite the plethora of injuries.
The Dodgers’ next challenge is still to be determined. The Dodgers will face either the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, or Arizona Diamondbacks.
The test of the postseason is just days away. Only time will tell if the Dodgers can finally pass the test.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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