Dodgers leave Freddie Freeman in Los Angeles to rest a sore right ankle ahead of the playoffs

DENVER (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman didn’t make the journey to Colorado for a three-game sequence in opposition to the Rockies to shut out the common season so he may relaxation a sore ankle.

The All-Star slugger left Thursday’s NL West-clinching recreation within the seventh inning after rolling his proper foot making an attempt to keep away from a tag at first base by San Diego’s Luis Arráez. Freeman was on crutches and in a strolling boot following the sport. As well as, the Dodgers left shortstop Miguel Rojas at dwelling as a result of a torn adductor.

“Clearly, touring to altitude didn’t make sense,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated Friday earlier than the beginning of the sequence.

Roberts can’t envision a situation the place the Dodgers don’t have Freeman hitting third or fourth within the lineup come the Nationwide League Division Collection subsequent weekend. Freeman is hitting .282 this season with 22 homers and 89 RBIs.

“I imply, he’s simply such a warrior,” Roberts stated. “He’s going to do something he can.”

Roberts stated he, too, is rounding again into kind following the Dodgers’ NL West-clinching win Thursday over San Diego.

“I’m drained. I don’t really feel hungover, which is sweet,” Roberts stated. “I really feel good. I’m excited that tonight, it’s not like a do-or-die recreation. That feels actually relieving, truly.”

The Dodgers have secured a first-round bye within the postseason however they’re making an attempt to fend off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL’s high seed.

“I feel it’s extra of simply the thought of letting issues play out the best way they’re going to,” Roberts stated of chasing the No. 1 seed. “I feel for us, a very powerful factor is to care for our relievers, get them prepared for the division sequence, get them out of right here wholesome.

“Nonetheless, we’re at all times enjoying to win.”

That’s why, Roberts stated, the plan is to play Shohei Ohtani all three video games within the sequence. Ohtani enters the ultimate weekend with 53 homers and 56 stolen bases.

“He’s had an incredible season,” Roberts stated. “And once you get to the 1-yard line on sure statistics, whether or not it’s a possible Triple Crown, a 60-60 (season), no matter it is perhaps, stealing 60 bases, you need to attempt to get there as finest you may. So I’m certain he’s going to need to be in there all three video games.”

Roberts plans to offer his workforce two days off early subsequent week.

“I simply need to encourage guys to remain away after which come again hungry, excited to get again to work,” Roberts stated. “I simply really feel they performed a variety of baseball this yr.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB