Freddie Freeman’s Injury Clouds Dodgers’ Playoff Preparations

DENVER (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Freddie Freeman will miss the team’s final regular season series against the Colorado Rockies in order to rest a sore right ankle. Freeman sustained the injury on Thursday night during a game against the San Diego Padres in Los Angeles. He rolled his ankle while trying to avoid a tag at first base by San Diego’s Luis Arráez, according to sources. The All-Star slugger left the field with assistance and was later seen using crutches and wearing a walking boot.

“Obviously, traveling to altitude didn’t make sense,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. Freeman, who has been an integral part of the Dodgers’ lineup, is hitting .282 this season with 22 home runs and 89 runs batted in.

Shortstop Miguel Rojas will also remain in Los Angeles due to a torn adductor. Despite these setbacks, Roberts remains optimistic about having Freeman in the lineup for the National League Division Series, which begins the following weekend.

The Dodgers have already secured a first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs. However, they are attempting to retain their position as the top seed in the National League, a spot contested by the Philadelphia Phillies who hold the tiebreaker against them. “The most important thing is to take care of our relievers, get them ready for the division series, and ensure they are healthy,” Roberts emphasized.

Freeman, a seasoned player who turned 35 this season, has continued to show his exceptional skill with a batting average of .282/.378/.476, accumulating 22 homers and contributing significantly to the team’s success. He made his eighth career appearance in the All-Star Game this year. The Dodgers have ensured that the recovery period before their first postseason game, scheduled for October 5, allows Freeman adequate time to recuperate.