Freddie Freeman sported a walking boot with a smile, embodying the grit and determination that defines the Los Angeles Dodgers. The moment that truly solidified their National League West title and guaranteed them a first-round bye in the playoffs was as dramatic as it gets. Mookie Betts, with a seventh-inning two-run single, further extended the Dodgers’ lead in Thursday's game against the San Diego Padres. But just as the cheers were starting to rise, a collective gasp filled the air as Freeman rolled his right ankle. For a player as vital as Freeman, especially this time of year, it was a nerve-wracking sight. Yet, despite the scare, X-rays showed no structural damage, leaving fans, teammates, and Freeman himself optimistic about his return for the playoffs.
“We’ve worked really hard to overcome a lot of adversity this year, and it seems like it never ends,” Freeman shared, reflecting on the journey after a 7-2 victory over the Padres. The relief was evident in his voice, though he wasn’t going to take anything for granted. “I’ll do everything I possibly can to be ready.”
Dodger fans have witnessed their team battle through some of the season’s toughest challenges. Just two nights prior, they saw a dangerous and star-studded Padres team win the series opener with a walk-off triple play, igniting a boisterous postseason celebration inside the visiting clubhouse of Dodger Stadium. But the Dodgers, in true LA fashion, responded. They came back with key performances from Walker Buehler, Mookie Betts, and the ever-impressive Shohei Ohtani to take the next two games. It was a statement series, culminating in a moment that every Dodgers fan will remember — their 95th win of the season and their 11th NL West title in the past 12 years.
Manager Dave Roberts summed it up perfectly. “They all feel sweet, but with what we’ve gone through this year, this one feels a tick sweeter,” Roberts said, visibly proud of his team’s resilience. “We’ve fought through adversity, stuck together, and found a way to win this division again. It wasn’t easy, but we earned it. Today was just a reflection of our entire season — battling from behind, scratching, clawing, and finding a way to win.”
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how stacked this Dodgers roster has been this season. Their historic offseason was filled with splashy signings, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Teoscar Hernandez. They even pulled off a high-profile trade for Tyler Glasnow, followed by a lucrative extension. The Dodgers put a massive target on their backs, yet by the All-Star break, they were hit with a staggering 15 players on the injured list — the most in the majors. It wasn’t just any players, either. Stars like Yamamoto, Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Max Muncy, and Blake Treinen all missed significant time. Despite that, the Dodgers never trailed in the NL West, proving time and time again that this team doesn’t flinch under pressure.
Things weren’t always smooth sailing, though. The Dodgers had a rough patch in July, going 11-13. But when August came, they stormed back with a 19-8 record, showing the league they weren’t about to be counted out. It seemed like every time they were on the verge of vulnerability, they responded. Each time the weight of expectations started to feel too heavy, the Dodgers rose to meet them.
“We like high expectations,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman. “We relish them. People care, they’re passionate about the Dodgers. And you know what? So do we. We have high expectations, and I think that’s a great thing. For us, this is step one. Our goal from spring training was to win the division and put ourselves in a position to get the bye. We’ve done that. Now, the ultimate goal is in line. We need to do all we can to win 11 more games.”
For two consecutive years, the Dodgers secured a first-round bye, only to be knocked out by division rivals — the Padres in 2022 and the Diamondbacks in 2023. Now, as October looms, the team faces familiar questions about their starting rotation. With Glasnow and Gavin Stone ruled out and Kershaw seemingly not available for the first round, all eyes will be on Jack Flaherty and Yamamoto, who missed three months due to a shoulder injury. However, if Buehler can pitch like he did on Thursday — giving up just one run over five innings — the Dodgers could have a formidable three-man rotation heading into the playoffs.
“We needed him to step up, and he did,” said catcher Will Smith, praising Buehler’s performance.
It wasn’t just about pitching, though. The Dodgers were scoreless against Joe Musgrove until Smith broke through with a two-run homer in the seventh inning. Then, four batters later, Ohtani did what Ohtani does best — delivering in the clutch. His grounder snuck through the right side, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. This wasn’t just another hit for Ohtani. It was his 10th hit in his last 11 at-bats with runners in scoring position, raising his September slash line to an astonishing .545/.615/1.273.
Ohtani’s numbers are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Over his past seven games, he’s 20-for-29 with five home runs, 15 RBIs, seven stolen bases, and three walks. The stretch began with a historic milestone as he became the first player in MLB history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. And as he prepares for his first postseason, club officials are even more excited about his improvements in key RBI situations.
“It was an awesome feeling,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, reflecting on his first division-clinching celebration. “I’m hoping to be able to continue popping champagne.”
Meanwhile, Freeman, crutches in hand, was leaning on his teammates as the celebration began. The moment when he rolled his ankle came as he tried to evade a tag from Padres first baseman Luis Arraez. He limped straight to the clubhouse, where X-rays gave everyone some relief — no major damage. The swelling, however, was significant.
“My ankle swelled up like a grapefruit,” Freeman admitted, though he remains optimistic about his return for the division series. The Dodgers have nine days to go before their playoff push begins, and Freeman plans to stay in LA for treatment while the team finishes their regular season in Colorado.
“Once they get the fluid out,” Freeman said, “I should be good to go.”
Roberts couldn’t have been more relieved. “I’m just grateful that he’s going to have a week off,” the manager said with a smile.
With Freeman on the mend and the Dodgers having fought through another tough season, the stage is set. October is just around the corner, and the Dodgers are once again in the driver’s seat. All eyes will be on this team as they look to turn their regular-season success into another World Series run.
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