The Los Angeles Dodgers came up short in their first opportunity to close out the New York Mets, and now look to do so at Dodger Stadium while avoiding a winner-take-all Game 7 in the National League Championship Series.
Freddie Freeman is out of the Dodgers lineup as he continues to deal with a sprained right ankle. Freeman also missed Game 4 before returning Friday and going hitless in the Dodgers’ loss.
Manager Dave Roberts had indicated Freeman would continue to play first base in Game 6, but there seemingly was a change of heart after a conversation with the 35-year-old.
Meanwhile, Michael Kopech starts the third Dodgers bullpen game of the postseason and second in the NLCS. The start is Kopech’s first since Sept. 20, 2023.
He reported to Spring Training this year as a starting pitcher but went on to exclusively appear as a reliever for the Chicago White Sox. Kopech remained in that role after being traded to the Dodgers.
Given his background as a starter, it’s plausible Kopech provides L.A. with one-plus innings on Sunday. That could be key as they look to navigate the bullpen game while relying on high-leverage options.
Sean Manaea is on the mound for the Mets as they try to extend their season. Manaea allowed three runs (two earned) in five-plus innings when he started against the Dodgers in Game 2.
Max Muncy has been moved across the diamond to play first base due to Freeman being out, which in turn has Kiké Hernández at third base. Andy Pages, coming off a multi-homer game, is starting in center field.
Chris Taylor is playing second base as Gavin Lux misses a third consecutive game. Some of that was to be expected with a left-hander on the mound, but Lux is also recovering from a hip flexor issue.
Dodgers lineup
DH: Shohei Ohtani
RF: Mookie Betts
LF: Teoscar Hernández
SS: Tommy Edman
1B: Max Muncy
3B: Kiké Hernández
CF: Andy Pages
C: Will Smith
2B: Chris Taylor
Mets lineup
SS: Francisco Lindor
LF: Brandon Nimmo
3B: Mark Vientos
1B: Pete Alonso
DH: Jesse Winker
RF: Starling Marte
CF: Tyrone Taylor
2B: Jeff McNeil
C: Francisco Alvarez
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