The Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping that All-Star Freddie Freeman will be back in the lineup on Tuesday night for Game 3 of their NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres.
Freeman left Game 2 after five innings on Sunday night, when the Dodgers lost 10-2 at Dodger Stadium, tying the series at 1-1.
He experienced discomfort in his sprained right ankle and was replaced at first base by Max Muncy, while Kiké Hernández took over at third base.
In his two at-bats, Freeman struck out and flew out. In Game 1 on Saturday, he had two hits and one strikeout.
Roberts mentioned that Freeman was “still sore” on Monday during the Dodgers’ off-day workout at Petco Park. “He’s getting treatment. Don’t know anything else. Outside of that I think he’s very grateful for a mental break today,” he said.
“The thought is he’s going to play tomorrow. If he can’t, then he won’t,” Roberts added. “But again, if he’s able to play and post, he’ll be in there.”
Freeman, who is 35 and an eight-time All-Star, said this is the first time he has sprained an ankle. He mentioned that he was told the injury usually means four to six weeks on the injured list.
As the No. 3 hitter behind leadoff batter Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, Freeman has a strong bat and also plays important defense at first base.
During the regular season, Freeman missed 15 games due to injuries and a medical crisis involving his young son.
