MLB Playoffs: Dodgers All-Star Returns Early After Suffering Potential Season-Ending Injury
October 5, 2024
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The Los Angeles Dodgers played the final weekend of the regular season without Freddie Freeman after the All-Star first baseman sprained his ankle in their Sept. 26 game against the San Diego Padres.
Unbeknownst to fans, Freeman was told at the time of the injury that he would need 4 to 6 weeks to recover.
#Dodgers Freddie Freeman said he will play tomorrow. At time of injury, was told severity of his ankle sprain usually requires 4-6 weeks on IL. “I’m going to try to do it in a week.”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) October 5, 2024
Ten days later, Freeman wasn’t just included on the Dodgers’ roster for their National League Division Series matchup against the San Diego Padres. He was in the starting lineup.
Freeman was a last-minute addition to Los Angeles’ lineup against San Diego Padres starter Dylan Cease in Game 1 of their NLDS rematch. A 4-to-6-week timeline could have — and perhaps should have — ended his season. Instead, he’s in a position to start for the Dodgers for the duration of the postseason.
Freddie Freeman just told reporters as he was waking off the field, “I wish I had answer” on if he’s playing today
He said he still has another box to check, going to hit in the cage https://t.co/QGeHG8e97F
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) October 5, 2024
Freeman will bat third and play first base. An All-Star this season for the eighth time in his career, Freeman hit 22 home runs, drove in 89, and slashed .282/.378/.476 for the NL West champion Dodgers.
Two years ago, the Padres (93-69) eliminated the Dodgers (98-64) from the NLDS. This year, San Diego finished as the runner-up in the NL West but won eight of 13 head-to-head regular season matchups against Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tony Gonsolin #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stand on the line for introductions during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game… LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tony Gonsolin #26 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stand on the line for introductions during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Freeman will be in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
The Dodgers have been dealing with injuries all season long. In addition to Freeman’s ankle, shortstop Miguel Rojas has a torn left adductor muscle that led him to play hurt for much of September. Like Freeman, Rojas is in the lineup for Game 1.
Pitcher Clayton Kershaw was a longshot to be part of the Dodgers’ postseason plans after going weeks without facing live hitters because of a bone spur in his left big toe. Saturday, the Dodgers formally ruled him out of competing in October.
More news: Dodgers News: LA Leaves Clayton Kershaw Off NLDS Roster
The Padres were dealt a recent injury blow too. Joe Musgrove started Game 2 of their Wild Card series against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, which the Padres won 5-4. But Musgrove had to leave the game early because of an elbow injury and was not included on San Diego’s roster for the NLDS.
Friday, Musgrove was not only ruled out for the remainder of the postseason — he’ll likely miss all of 2025 as well after being recommended for Tommy John surgery.
More news: MLB Playoffs: Padres Pitcher to Have Season-Ending Surgery
Freeman’s ankle might not be hanging on with some combination of duct tape and glue, but even at less than full strength, it’s good enough that he is willing to give it a go. Whether that decision proves wise will only be revealed in hindsight.
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