Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman did not travel to Colorado for the three-game series against the Rockies at the end of the regular season because he needed to rest a sore ankle.
The All-Star player left Thursday’s game, which secured the NL West title, in the seventh inning after rolling his right foot while trying to avoid a tag from San Diego’s Luis Arráez. Following the game, Freeman was seen on crutches and wearing a walking boot. The Dodgers also left shortstop Miguel Rojas at home due to a torn adductor.
“Obviously, traveling to altitude didn’t make sense,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday before the series began.
Roberts believes Freeman will be hitting third or fourth in the lineup when the National League Division Series starts next weekend. Freeman has a batting average of .282 this season, with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs.
“I mean, he’s just such a warrior,” Roberts said. “He’s going to do anything he can.”
Roberts mentioned that he is also feeling better after the Dodgers’ win over San Diego that clinched the NL West title.
“I’m tired. I don’t feel hungover, which is good,” Roberts said. “I feel good. I’m excited that tonight, it’s not like a do-or-die game. That feels really relieving, actually.”
The Dodgers have secured a first-round bye in the playoffs but are working to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the top seed in the NL.
“I think it’s more of just the idea of letting things play out the way they’re going to,” Roberts said about going for the No. 1 seed. “I think for us, the most important thing is to take care of our relievers, get them ready for the division series, and keep them healthy.
“Still, we’re always playing to win.”
That’s why Roberts said the plan is to have Shohei Ohtani play in all three games of the series. Ohtani heads into the final weekend with 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases.
