Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Provides Latest Update on Freddie Freeman’s Injury Status

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that he expects first baseman Freddie Freeman to be ready for Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres on Saturday. The Dodgers are planning for Freeman to go through a “full workout” on Friday and will determine Saturday if he will officially play or not.

Even if Freeman isn’t good to go at first base, Roberts added that he could come in as a pinch-hitter, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Roberts previously said on Wednesday that he was “confident” Freeman would be in the starting lineup for Game 1, and Freeman had already been taking swings in the batting cage. Since the injury, both Freeman and Roberts have consistently expressed optimism that Freeman will be ready to go for Game 1. The Dodgers will look to get revenge against the Padres and advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2021.

Freeman sustained a sprained ankle during the Dodgers’ 7-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26. Freeman recorded one hit in what turned out to be the NL West division-clinching win for the Dodgers. After hurting his ankle, Freeman wore a walking boot and did not travel to Colorado for the team’s final regular season series of the season against the Rockies.

Freeman underwent X-rays, which came back negative, determining Freeman’s ankle was only sprained and not broken. Freeman has also missed multiple games this season because of a finger injury he sustained in August.

This season, the eight-time MLB All-Star has played in a total of 147 games and slashed .282/.378/.476 with 153 hits, 81 runs, 22 home runs, and 89 RBIs for the Dodgers.

In the scenario that Freeman doesn’t end up playing, Kiké Hernández would likely fill in for him at first base. Hernández played first base during each of the three games against the Rockies that Freeman missed.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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