The Los Angeles Dodgers are getting an infusion of offence at just the right time.
First baseman Freddie Freeman is expected to make a return to the Dodgers lineup in time for the win-or-go-home Game 5 against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS, manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Thursday.
Freeman has been dealing with a sprained ankle since the end of the regular season, when he twisted his right ankle while trying to avoid a tag on the bases in a game against the Padres.
The 35-year-old was scratched from the Dodgers lineup ahead of Game 4, but they managed to pull out an 8-0 win without him, forcing an elimination Game 5.
Freeman has gone 3-for-11 through three games in the NLDS, including a 1-for-4 performance on Tuesday night in Game 3.
He has left both of the last two games he appeared in early due to the injury.
Before the post-season, Freeman told reporters that his sprain would usually be “a four-to-six week IL stint” and that it’s the worst injury he’s ever tried to play through.
You can watch Game 5 of the NLDS on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.