The Los Angeles Dodgers face a pivotal swing game against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, and won’t know until close to the 6:08 p.m. PT first pitch if Freddie Freeman will be in their lineup.
“Still sore. He’s getting treatment. Don’t know anything else. Outside of that I think he’s very grateful for a mental break today,” manager Dave Roberts said before the Dodgers’ workout at Petco Park on Monday.
Freeman was not among the position players who were seen on the field during the two-hour session, which was attended and observed by DodgerBlue.com.
Freeman missed the final three games on the Dodgers’ schedule due to a sprained right ankle, and he nearly did not play in the opener of the NLDS.
But after receiving treatment for over a week and completing his pregame routine, Freeman was included in the Dodgers lineup for Game 1. He went 2-for-5 with one stolen base in the Dodgers’ win.
He was back at first base the following night, and despite Roberts relaying Freeman was dealing with lingering soreness in his ankle, there hadn’t been any question whether or not the 35-year-old would play in Game 2.
But Freeman took just two at-bats prior to being replaced by Kiké Hernández in the sixth inning. Hernández played third base and Max Muncy slid over to first base.
Given the severity of Freeman’s sprained ankle, the Dodgers may look for an opportunity to provide him with rest for however long they remain in the playoffs.
“The thought is he’s going to play [Tuesday]. If he can’t, then he won’t. And then obviously, potentially, (Martín) Pérez will take down Game 4 or the bulk of it. That might be a day that we might give him an extra day,” Roberts said.
“But again, if he’s able to play and post, he’ll be in there.”
Will Dodgers take Freddie Freeman off roster?
One option technically available to the Dodgers is removing Freeman from their playoff roster for the remainder of the NLDS, which is now a best-of-three.
But doing so would make Freeman ineligible if the Dodgers advanced to the NL Championship.
Perhaps with that in mind, or there not being a clear candidate to add to the Dodgers roster, Freeman is going to remain active.
“There would be no thought of taking him off the roster for that reason,” said Roberts when asked if Freeman would possibly be replaced if he’s unable to play in Game 3.
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