The Los Angeles Dodgers could be without their star first baseman, Freddie Freeman, for their crucial Game 3 on Tuesday. Manager Dave Roberts said Freeman is receiving treatment for his ankle, and his status is uncertain.
The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya shared the news via Twitter/X.
Freeman started Games 1 and 2 in the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. He was spectacular in Game 1, going 2-for-5 in his at-bats, and even stealing a second base that surprised everyone considering his condition.
However, in Game 2, he reaggravated his ankle injury and was forced to exit the game after five innings. Overall, Freeman is 2-for-7 in the series with two strikeouts. The Dodgers and Padres are tied in this series through two games, 1-1, as the series goes to San Diego for Games 3 and 4.
Roberts said after the loss that the Dodgers had no other choice but to take out Freeman during their contest on Sunday.
“We had no other choice,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Sunday’s 10-2 loss to the rival San Diego Padres that knotted the series. “He’s doing everything he can. I don’t know what his status will be like for Game 3, but for tonight, we had no other option.”
“It’s sort of where we’re at,” Roberts said. “It is not ideal. It is of concern. It’s day to day, and there’s nothing we can do about it. So, we have a workout tomorrow evening and then we’ll just kind of see where he’s at with treatment. And then once we get to Tuesday, we’ll see how he feels, and then we’ll do the same thing for Game 4.
“Again, it’s not ideal. But I think this is what we’ll have to be dealing with for the duration.”
Freeman initially injured his ankle on Sept. 26 against the Padres to avoid a tag as he was running to first base. However, he mustered up the strength to play in the first two games.
If Freeman is unable to go, Dodgers All-Star infielder Max Muncy will take over at first base, and Kiké Hernández will take over at third base.
