Freddie Freeman is set to be part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup for their World Series opener against the New York Yankees.
“I have no doubt that I will be in the lineup for Game 1,” he stated during a Zoom press conference on Tuesday.
However, the final decision on the lineup will rest with manager Dave Roberts, who will consult with the front office.
By the time Game 1 takes place on Friday, Freeman will have had a full week to recover since injuring his right ankle while running in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets.
The All-Star first baseman missed Games 4 and 6 of the NLCS and went 3 for 18 against the Mets, following a .286 performance in the NL Division Series against San Diego.
“I’m clearly dealing with my ankle, so if I’m not in the lineup, it means our best option is with the other guys,” Freeman explained. “I haven’t played in three games, and they’ve been averaging about nine runs a game without me. I have full confidence in the team.”
Freeman stated that he can hit and walk with minimal discomfort, but his ankle starts to hurt when he attempts to run. He has been receiving extensive treatment for the first sprained ankle of his lengthy career.
“I want to get this under control as much as possible so I can give my best and be ready for Game 1,” he said.
While Freeman has been sidelined, third baseman Max Muncy has shifted to first base, and Kiké Hernández has taken over at third.
Freeman typically bats third in the lineup, following Shohei Ohtani, who leads off, and Mookie Betts, giving the Dodgers a formidable trio of former MVPs at the top.
“You’re looking at one of the most consistent players in the game over the past 10 to 12 years,” Muncy remarked. “Having him back in the lineup adds depth, and considering all the crucial hits he’s had at this time of year, it’s hard to measure just how valuable that is.”
Freeman injured his ankle on September 26 against the Padres while trying to avoid a tag from San Diego’s Luis Arráez, causing him to miss the Dodgers’ final three regular-season games.
He also missed eight games in late July to support his 3-year-old son, Maximus, who was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition.
