Dodgers sit Freddie Freeman for Game 4 of NLCS
Freeman has not played on three consecutive days since injuring his ankle on Sept. 26. The eight-time All-Star is expected to be back in the lineup for Game 5 on Friday.
NEW YORK — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave Freddie Freeman a call after Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night to let him know the team’s plans for Game 4.
“He asked me if he was being benched. He doesn’t offer up days off,” Roberts said, drawing a few chuckles from reporters.
Whether he wanted it or not, Freeman got the day off in Game 4 on Thursday night. The Dodgers were unwilling to push his injured right ankle for three consecutive days with the next off day in this best-of-seven series not scheduled until Saturday.
The eight-time All-Star first baseman, 35, has not played on three consecutive days since injuring his ankle on Sept. 26.
“He’s obviously ailing and he’s doing everything he can to stay on the field,” Roberts said. “With the back-to-back games and one tomorrow, just trying to … make a decision that puts him in the best position for the games going forward.”
Game 4 also made sense with the Mets starting a left-hander, Jose Quintana – although Freeman had a history of success against Quintana (5 for 13 with a double and a home run).
