Dodgers’ Roberts: Freddie Freeman’s Swing ‘Not Right,’ NLCS G6 Status TBD amid Injury

Zach BacharContributor IOctober 19, 2024

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Freddie Freeman’s status for Game 6 of the 2024 National League Championship Series is uncertain.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Freeman’s swing is “not right” following a 12-6 loss to the New York Mets on Friday.

“I do think that his swing is not right,” Roberts said, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange Country Register. “I’m certain it’s the ankle. We’ll have that conversation, but it’s certainly an option to not have him in there for Game 6, yes.”

Freeman didn’t appear in Game 4 of the series due to an ankle issue and went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in his return.

The 35-year-old initially suffered the injury in the seventh inning of a 7-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26. Freeman’s sprained ankle also forced him to miss Game 4 of the Dodgers’ NL Division Series against San Diego.

The eight-time All-Star hasn’t been as effective in the middle of Los Angeles’ lineup, hitting just .219 with 1 RBI during the team’s 2024 postseason run. He also hasn’t recorded an extra-base hit in eight games.

MLB @MLBFreddie Freeman makes it a 3-run inning for the @Dodgers! pic.twitter.com/R6vFIr84pH

Freeman acknowledged that his routine has been affected by the injury, as he’s needed to undergo multiple hours of treatment on his ankle each day.

“It is what it is,” Freeman said, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com. “I know what every day is like, I just wish I could do my routine. You guys know I’m very routine-based, and I haven’t been able to do it. I’ll get to the field tomorrow when the training room opens to get my treatment and right after that get in the cage to try and fix this swing.”

The Dodgers’ offense has still been potent without the former NL MVP playing like his usual self, leading all MLB teams in runs and homers during the postseason. Los Angeles also holds a 3-2 series lead over New York.

With or without Freeman, the Dodgers will attempt to capture the NL pennant and secure a spot in the World Series in Game 6 on Sunday at 8:08 p.m. ET.