LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman remains to be hobbled by the sprained proper ankle he suffered Sept. 26, however Los Angeles Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts seemingly does not have any doubt in regards to the first baseman’s availability for Recreation 1 of the Nationwide League Division Sequence on Saturday.
“I am anticipating him to be within the lineup,” Roberts stated earlier than Friday’s pre-NLDS exercise. “What that appears like, I assume we’ll know once we see him on the market. However with Freddie, I do not doubt that he’ll be able to go.”
Freeman hit within the batting cages and took at-bats in an intrasquad scrimmage at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. He didn’t run the bases or play protection then, however Roberts nonetheless known as it “a superb step ahead.”
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
On Friday, Freeman took a handful of floor balls at first base and briefly ran the bases, together with a near-sprint from first to 3rd. Freeman was visibly nonetheless favoring his tender ankle however stated “the swelling has come down so much” over the previous eight days.
“I really feel good,” Freeman stated. “Adequate.”
Given Shohei Ohtani’s presence at designated hitter, Freeman has to play the sector to participate on this collection. If he cannot go, the Dodgers will transfer Max Muncy from third to first base and begin Enrique Hernandez at Muncy’s authentic place.
However that does not appear to be an possibility for the time being.
“I actually do not wish to let my thoughts go there,” Roberts stated.
Working the bases and collaborating in defensive drills certified as the ultimate step Freeman thought he wanted to clear earlier than declaring himself prepared. Whereas masking first base, he pushed off together with his proper foot as arduous as he might to check the ankle and stated he felt “ok.” He expects to really feel probably the most ache whereas slowing down on the bases.
“They advised me this can be a four- to six-week IL stint,” Freeman stated. “And I will strive to do that in per week and play.”
