When Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was a late scratch from the Game Four lineup of the National League Division Series, his absence became a true test of the team’s depth, versatility, and fight. Max Muncy replaced Freeman at first base, and Kiké Hernandez, who was originally slated to start in center, played third base. But could they come through against their NL West rival San Diego Padres in the hostile environment of Petco Park?
When the lineup first came out, manager Dave Roberts was asked how Freeman was doing, the skipper responded, “Ok, enough.” Apparently, the ankle the All-Star sprained in the regular series finale against San Diego stiffened.
Dodgers Overcome Freddie Freeman’s Absence to Tie NLDS
Not the Only Blow
This was not the best news for Los Angeles. They were also without their Gold Glove-caliber shortstop Miguel Rojas as well. He re-injured his abductor muscle and is probably out for at least the duration of the series.
Limited Effectiveness
The hobbled first baseman played the entirety of the series opener and had two hits and an ill-advised stolen base. But the injury that usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal made Freeman leave Game Two early after he tweaked the ankle while swinging at a Yu Darvish pitch.
In Game Three, the injury may have limited the perennial All-Star’s mobility at first base when he fielded a possible double-play grounder and his throw hit Manny Machado‘s shoulder. This was part of a disastrous six-run inning for the Dodgers, and ultimately, a pivotal Padres victory.
The Plot Thickens
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Freeman said that he and the team decided at breakfast yesterday that he would sit out last night’s game. Freeman called it, “a little gamesmanship.”
Past Proves Success?
San Diego elected to go with left-handed starter Dylan Cease on three days’ rest and did not last long. Mookie Betts, who seems to have broken out of his postseason slump with a solo shot in the first inning to give the Dodgers an early lead. The entire lineup, with the exception of Chris Taylor, contributed something. Max Muncy woke up and got on base three times. Will Smith who has had a horrendous second half of the season, smoked a two-run home run to give their bullpen, who blanked the Padres, some breathing room.
The probable National League Most Valuable Player, Shohei Ohtani, had a clutch two-out single to lengthen the lead. The super utilityman Kike Hernández made his first postseason start of 2024. His career OPS in the postseason is a cool .900. He did not disappoint, delivering two hits, and raising his postseason OPS to over 1.000. The Dodgers went 5-for-9 with runners in scoring position, pitched their first postseason shutout since 2020, and achieved their first road victory in the postseason since 2021.
Last night, the Dodgers showed that they are capable of a total team win even when one of their brightest stars is missing.
In short, the Dodgers have leaned on Freddie Freeman for clutch hits throughout the season, and now the Dodgers carried Freddie Freeman and their chances to advance further into the postseason to a winner-take-all Game Five on Friday night. They will get a major boost as well, with Roberts saying on Thursday that he expects Freeman back in the lineup.
Dave Roberts says he expects Freddie Freeman to play in Game 5 tomorrow pic.twitter.com/WAVVfJni2r
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 10, 2024
Photo Credit: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
