It’s shaping up to be the World Series matchup everyone wanted to see — the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees, two iconic franchises ready to battle it out in a best-of-seven series. But, amidst all the excitement, one of the Dodgers' stars, Freddie Freeman, is grappling with an ankle injury that’s making headlines almost as much as the matchup itself.
Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ powerhouse first baseman, has been a crucial part of their postseason run. Even though he's been dealing with a badly sprained right ankle, sustained back on September 26, Freeman is determined to be on the field for Game 1. And let’s be honest, Dodgers fans everywhere are hoping to see him in action.
Freeman has had a tough postseason. Despite missing two of the Dodgers’ final three games in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), and going just 1-for-15 in the last three games he played, he’s confident he’ll be ready for the World Series opener on Friday. “I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind,” Freeman said, “that I’ll be in the lineup for Game 1.”
The 35-year-old first baseman isn’t new to adversity, and despite a sprain that might have sidelined most players for four to six weeks, Freeman is pushing through. After all, this is the World Series! A week of rest has done wonders for his recovery. He's been able to avoid aggravating his injury by refraining from running, something that’s particularly tough on his ankle. “I can still hit, I can do all that kind of stuff,” Freeman said, emphasizing that the days off have been incredibly helpful.
But while Freeman is focusing on staying game-ready, the sprain has definitely impacted his performance. In Game 1 of the NLCS, Freeman managed to reach base three times and recorded an RBI, but after that, things started to go downhill. In Game 2, he went hitless, and by Game 3, he could feel the toll of his injury. He even had to abandon the supportive spatting tape he’d been using because it began to make the injury worse.
The moment Freeman started noticing that his ankle was affecting his swing was a turning point. In Game 5, after just one at-bat, his ankle started giving him trouble almost immediately. “A week or so ago, I could get through four or five innings before I was having trouble walking,” Freeman explained. His pain and discomfort finally led to a tough decision: both Freeman and manager Dave Roberts agreed to keep him out of Game 6.
Freeman, ever the team player, remains optimistic about his squad, even when he’s not in the lineup. In fact, he pointed out with a smile that the Dodgers are 3-0 in the games he’s missed this postseason, racking up a massive 28 runs in those games. “Obviously, guys are swinging the bats great,” Freeman said with a laugh. “It was tough, but it was just better for the situation with my ankle than trying to gut through another game.”
Still, the extra days off could make a world of difference. Freeman is heading into Game 1 of the World Series with six days of rest under his belt — enough time to regain his footing (literally) and possibly return to form. This downtime has also given him the chance to fine-tune his swing, so it’s safe to say that he’s itching to get back into action.
Now, as for the Dodgers’ pitching plans, they’ve got a solid strategy mapped out. Manager Dave Roberts announced that Jack Flaherty will take the mound for Game 1, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to pitch in Game 2. Walker Buehler will likely start either Game 3 or 4, with the other game slated to be a bullpen effort. By starting Flaherty in Game 1, Roberts is setting the team up to possibly use him again in Game 5, on normal four days’ rest. Similarly, Yamamoto’s schedule is designed to give him five days off before possibly returning in Game 6.
“It’s about giving both those guys the best opportunity to pitch and put them in the best spots possible,” Roberts explained. And if we know anything about the Dodgers, it’s that they’re going to play this series with a meticulous strategy that maximizes their chances.
In the bullpen, things are also looking hopeful. Two key relievers, Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol, are recovering from injuries but could be ready to return for the World Series. Vesia, who has been dealing with a side injury since Game 5 of the NL Division Series, is more likely to make it back than Graterol, who’s been plagued by a shoulder injury all season. However, it’ll be a game-time decision, with Roberts saying the final call will come down to Friday morning.
The injury report doesn’t end there, though. Dodgers fans are also keeping a close eye on infielder Gavin Lux and shortstop Miguel Rojas. Lux has been battling a hip flexor injury but should be “a full go” for the World Series, according to Roberts. Rojas, on the other hand, remains a question mark. He’s been nursing an adductor strain, and while he’s made some progress, it’s still unclear whether he’ll be healthy enough to suit up.
“I really feel that it was the right decision not having him on the NLCS roster, given his health,” Roberts said about Rojas. “He’s made some strides, but we still got to be certain that he can run and defend the way he can.” It’s a tough situation, and like Vesia and Graterol, the decision on Rojas may come down to the wire.
With all these injuries and uncertainties swirling around, the Dodgers are going to need every ounce of grit and determination they can muster. But, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this team, it’s that they thrive under pressure. Even with Freeman not at 100%, the Dodgers are a formidable force, and their deep roster gives them the flexibility to adapt. Plus, they’ve got the confidence of knowing they can win without Freeman if needed — though no one is rooting for that scenario.
As Game 1 approaches, all eyes will be on Freeman’s ankle, but Dodgers fans can breathe a little easier knowing their star player is doing everything he can to be ready. And with the pitching staff lining up nicely and a few key players potentially returning from injury, the Dodgers are in a good position to give the Yankees a serious run for their money.
This World Series has all the makings of a classic showdown — two storied franchises, star players battling through adversity, and managers playing every card they have. It’s the kind of matchup that baseball fans dream about, and it’s about to unfold in spectacular fashion.
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