Dave Roberts Reveals Why Freddie Freeman is Out of Dodgers NLCS Game 4 Lineup

Freddie Freeman was a surprising omission from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ NLCS Game 4 lineup against the New York Mets.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday he expected Freeman to suit up. However, when the Dodgers’ lineup came out, Freeman was not in there.

Read more: Freddie Freeman, Gavin Lux Surprisingly Out of Dodgers Lineup in NLCS Game 4

While speaking to reporters a little more than an hour after the lineup was released, Roberts revealed why Freeman was not playing.

Roberts said he’s just managing Freeman’s workload in the middle of three straight games. He also said he made the decision last night, and added Freeman would be available in a “big spot.” Roberts said he noticed Freeman laboring at the end of Game 3, and thought it would be a good idea to take Thursday off in the hopes of returning for Friday’s Game 5.

“He’s obviously ailing and he’s doing everything he can to stay on the field. With the back-to-back games and one tomorrow, just trying to feel kind of make a decision what puts him in the best position for the games going forward,” Roberts said. “And just tonight seemed easy. Obviously he wants to be in there. But having him not make the start, run out there on and off the field, be ready for a big spot tonight, made a lot of sense.”

Freeman has gone 3-for-13 in the NLCS with an RBI and two strikeouts. He’s been battling through his ankle sprain that he suffered in late September as the Dodgers clinched the NL West against the San Diego Padres.

While speaking to reporters before the NLDS, Freeman said his injury would normally require a four-to-six week stint on the injured list. However, Freeman was ready just 10 days later to suit up in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Freeman played in all but one game in the NLDS, missing Game 4. Now, he’s set to miss Game 4 of the NLCS. The Dodgers play again on Friday, so the hope is Freeman will be able to suit up in a potential elimination game if L.A. wins on Thursday night.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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