Dodgers top star knew that he wouldn’t be playing in Game 4 against the San Diego Padres.
The Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman had breakfast with manager Dave Roberts, and they both decided he would sit out, despite the team being on the brink of elimination. Despite being aware of the situation, Roberts still put his name in the lineup.
“It was a bit of gamesmanship,” he commented.
Just under two hours before the first pitch, Freeman was officially pulled from the lineup. The Dodgers were without Freddie Freeman, Miguel Rojas, and even a starting pitcher.
Yet, they marched into Petco Park and avoided elimination with an 8-0 rout over the Padres—one of their best postseason performances in recent memory.
The Dodgers defeated the Padres 8-0 at Petco Park, forcing a Game 5 on Friday. Freeman is managing his ankle injury on a day-to-day basis and hasn’t confirmed his availability for the decisive game.
“It’s day-to-day,” Freeman said postgame. “I’m just glad we have a Game 5.”
Freeman mentioned he rested completely and didn’t attempt to run. On Thursday, he plans to go in for treatment and see how his ankle feels.
While his injury typically requires several weeks to heal, he doesn’t have that luxury now. Alongside the ankle issue, he’s also dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and persistent side pain. Treatments have barely kept him going, allowing him to finish just one full game in the Dodgers’ National League Division Series against the Padres. Each game requires hours of preparation for the former MVP.
“What he’s been doing,” Max Muncy commented, “has been gladiator-style.”
Muncy added, “Every single guy here went up to Freddie and said, ‘Hey, we got you. Don’t worry.”
The Dodgers rose to the occasion without Freeman and shortstop Miguel Rojas. Eight relievers combined for a shutout, while the bottom of the lineup broke free from a series slump.
“In the postseason, it’s a street fight,” Roberts said. “It’s about people, players, and having a stronger desire than your opponent. Seeing our guys fight back like this makes me excited for Game 5.”
Game 5 is set to begin at 5:08 p.m. PT on Friday at Dodger Stadium.
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