NEW YORK — Freddie Freeman, the standout first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not be part of the starting lineup for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.
Freeman has been dealing with a severely sprained and swollen right ankle, which has limited his mobility during the postseason. He had previously missed Game 4 of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres due to this injury, as the Dodgers were on the verge of elimination.
“He’s in a lot of pain out there. You can see it when he’s running and all that,” his teammate Will Smith commented, highlighting the extent of Freeman’s discomfort.
Heading into Thursday’s match at Citi Field, the Dodgers led the best-of-seven series 2-1. With the Mets set to pitch veteran lefty Jose Quintana, Los Angeles made some strategic lineup adjustments, shifting Max Muncy from third base to first and moving Kiké Hernández from center field to third base.
Rookie outfielder Andy Pages was designated to start in center field, batting eighth, while Teoscar Hernández took over Freeman’s customary third spot in the batting lineup.
The Dodgers are facing a crucial moment in the series, and these roster changes reflect their need to adapt amidst injury challenges.
