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Dave Roberts, the respected manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently revealed that the team’s first baseman, Freddie Freeman, may have to sit out Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The speculation comes amid concerns over Freeman’s ankle injury, which appears to be hampering his performance on the field.
Ankle Injury Curbs Freeman’s Performance
Freeman, 35, suffered a sprained right ankle on September 26. He made a brief return to the Dodgers’ lineup during their Game 5 loss against the New York Mets, after missing the fourth game of the series. Unfortunately, his performance struggled as he went 0 for 5 with two hits while hitting in the cleanup spot, a spot below his usual No. 1 spot. 3 in the batting order.
Roberts did not hesitate to express his concerns about Freeman’s performance. He said, “I will have a conversation with him [Saturday]. His swing is wrong. I’m pretty sure it’s the ankle. We’ll have that conversation, but it’s certainly an option not to have him there in Game 6.”
Freeman’s Struggles After Injury
Despite contributing to the Dodgers’ Game 1 victory with two hits, a home run, and a run driven in, Freeman’s performance has been less than stellar since the injury. His record stands at 1 in his last 15, with no walks. For the rest of the postseason, his stats are a disappointing .219/.242/.219 with seven singles, one walk, six strikeouts, and no extra-base hits in 33 plate appearances.
Dodgers Strategy Without Freeman
With Freeman out for Game 4, the Dodgers tweaked their lineup. Max Muncy moved from third base to first base, Kiké Hernández moved from center to third, and Andy Pages — who hit two home runs in the Dodgers’ recent loss to the Mets — took over in center field. Despite the series returning to Los Angeles with the Dodgers leading 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, the question remains whether they can continue to lead without Freeman.
Freeman’s Pre-Game Practices: Struggling With Ankle Injury
Freeman, a former NL MVP and eight-time All-Star, devotes hours before each game to treating his ankle. His discomfort was evident as he prepared to play at Citi Field on Friday, with his anger visible as he prepared to play. His performance during the match also highlighted the impact of his injury, with a series of unsuccessful scoring attempts.
In conclusion, the Dodgers are faced with a critical decision regarding the participation of one of their key players in the upcoming games. The result could have a huge impact on the series and the team’s image in winning the World Series.
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