LOS ANGELES — First baseman Freddie Freeman remains determined to play and make an impact on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason run.
Freeman’s ankle was tested early after Max Muncy brought him in to score in the first inning to help the Dodgers take a 2-0 lead in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Sunday.
The veteran was in visible pain as he hobbled from second base with a grimace on his face before reaching home plate and landing in the arms of teammate Mookie Betts, who also scored on the play.
‘I think everyone would be impressed if they saw what he went through and how he is performing out here,’ Betts told FOX during a postgame interview.
“I’m getting used to it,” Freeman told reporters. “I know what to expect day in and day out. It’s obviously not going to get any better but I think we’re at a good point now where it’s not going to get worse unless I roll it again.”
Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.
Freeman’s night ended early after playing seven innings and hitting a single in the fourth that brought Shohei Ohtani in to score, giving the Dodgers a 6-0 lead.
“I felt good about getting him out after seven to take some innings off of his legs,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
When did Freddie Freeman hurt his ankle?
Freeman sprained his right ankle during a game against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26. He did miss some games following the injury.
Freeman sat out the Dodgers’ final regular season series against the Colorado Rockies before returning for the National League Division Series against the Padres last week.
Will Freddie Freeman play NLCS Game 2 for Dodgers?
Roberts didn’t have a chance to talk to Freeman immediately after Game 1 but said there was nothing at the moment that led him to believe the first baseman wouldn’t be available.
Freeman will be considered a game-time decision considering the quick turnaround the Dodgers will have for Game 2 (the game is set to begin at 4:08 p.m. ET — 1:08 p.m. local time). He continues to have tape over his cleat to help prevent him from rolling his ankle again.
“I’d say when I wake up I will know if I can make it through,” Freeman told reporters after the game. “We have a good plan. We have a tight window tomorrow, it takes me about four and a half hours to get ready for a game so I might just be sleeping here tonight.”
