There was plenty of doubt over whether Freeman would even play on Saturday.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman stunned on Saturday when he was slotted into the lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres. Freeman sprained his ankle in late September which created pessimism from the Dodgers that he would be able to play, even though the Dodgers secured a first-round bye. His prospects for seeing playtime are complicated further since Shohei Ohtani, recovering from UCL surgery, occupies the designated hitter role for the Dodgers full-time.
Nevertheless, Freeman started Game 1 and had a productive 2-for-5 outing. He admitted after the game that he would be a true day-to-day for the foreseeable future, but for someone seemingly hobbled, he did well. Perhaps most surprising, and even questionable? Freeman stole a base on the sprained ankle.
Given the risk of being thrown out or worse, injured further, it might seem ill-advised to even attempt such a move on the paths given the ailment, which the Padres are surely aware of, but Freeman had a noble reason for doing so that he explained in a postgame interview with Ken Rosenthal: "I felt good enough. If I can't play the game the right way then I shouldn't be out there, and I needed to go in that situation if they are going to try to give me 90 feet. I think I got lucky.""If I can't play the game the right way then I shouldn't be out there," Freeman said, matter of factly. He let out a hearty laugh when asked about the stolen base, as if to say he, himself, was surprised he was able to do it. "I think I got lucky," he said.
It might be trickier to steal a bag the rest of the series for Freeman, who will probably be kept more honest after he showed he's willing to run, hurt ankle or not.Josh Wilson is the news director of the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in 2024, he worked for FanSided in a variety of roles, most recently as senior managing editor of the brand’s flagship site.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Freddie Freeman's Son Attends 1st Dodgers Game Since Health ScareFreddie Freeman's 3-year-old son Max attended his first Los Angeles Dodgers game since being hospitalized with a health scare earlier this year
Read more »
Freddie Freeman Shares Video of Son Max, 3, Learning to Walk AgainLos Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman shared an emotional video of 3-year-old son Max learning to walk again after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder
Read more »
Dodgers Lose Freddie Freeman to Injury During Division-Clinching VictoryThe Dodgers' first baseman exited a 7-2 win over the Padres after rolling his ankle.
Read more »
Dodgers confident Freddie Freeman will be ready for NLDS despite ankle sprainFreddie Freeman sustained a sprained ankle in the Dodgers' win over the Padres on Thursday, but the team is confident he will play in the postseason.
Read more »
Dave Roberts Provides Massive Update on Dodgers' Freddie Freeman For NLDSIt is almost a guarantee that Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman will be in the Game 1 lineup of the NLDS next Saturday, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Read more »
Freddie Freeman Is 'Mentally Exhausted' Amid Son Max's Health CrisisFreddie Freeman gave an update on his mental state as 3-year-old son Max’s health crisis continues
Read more »