Freddie Freeman (ankle) is expected to return to the Dodgers' lineup for NLDS Game 5

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to get one of their stars back into their lineup with their season on the line.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters he expects Freddie Freeman to start in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres on Friday (8pm ET on FOX and the FOX Sports App).

Freeman has been dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered when he attempted an infield single during the Dodgers’ NL West win over the Padres on Sept. 26.

He missed the final three games of the regular season but started Games 1-3 of the NLDS despite dealing with obvious soreness and limited mobility in his ankle. Freeman had been out of the lineup late in Thursday’s Game 4 – with the Dodgers facing elimination – due to injury, but LA won 8-0 to force a Game 5.

Freeman is 3 for 11 with three hits in the NLDS so far. He recorded a .282/.378/.476 slash line with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs – still respectable numbers but below the career average for a 35-year-old All-Star.

Shortstop Miguel Rojas, who exited Game 3 with an injury, is not expected to be available except in a potentially critical role, Roberts said. I The Dodgers have yet to announce a starting pitcher for Game 5, while the The Padres will give the ball to Game 2 winner Yu Darvish.

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