The Dodgers’ star first baseman is eyeing a return to the NLDS after injury scares

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without star first baseman Freddie Freeman for the remainder of the 2024 MLB regular season, but the former 2020 NL MVP is targeting a return to the National League Divisional Series in October.

Dodgers: Freddie Freeman is eyeing a return to the NLDS after a scary ankle injury

Freeman suffered an ankle injury in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 7-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday, September 26. As MLB.com’s Juan Toribio reported, Freeman had X-rays taken of the injured ankle, which resulted in an ankle injury that came back negative after the game. Toribio also shared this quote from the eight-time All-Star, who talked about how said affliction is a first for him and when exactly he will be able to return based on the prognosis he received:

“It’s swollen,” Freeman said. “But they are pretty optimistic that I can make it to the playoffs by Saturday. That’s what I’m betting on. I’ve never twisted an ankle so I don’t know. It’s pretty big right now.”

Freeman’s words about the condition of his ankle are concerning, but the fact that the Dodgers’ medical staff expects him to be able to take the field again on Saturday is a positive sign. Additionally, the former 2021 World Series champion had nine days to recover from the time of the injury until the playoff opener in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5.

Freeman is instrumental in the Dodgers’ winning efforts

The 35-year-old has been a consistent star for the Dodgers all season. In 147 games played, Freeman hit 22 home runs and 89 RBIs while averaging a .282/.378/.476 batting line and a strong .854 OPS. Freeman’s impact on the win was noticeable as he owns a WAR of 4.7 this year.

Encouragingly, the Dodgers have continued their winning streak since the demise of the three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, going 2-0 with two dominant victories over the Colorado Rockies during that span. Still, LA will certainly need its superstar infielder in the playoffs in a highly competitive National League.

If the postseason began today, the Dodgers (97-64) – who have already secured a playoff spot as the top seed in the Netherlands – would face the winner of the NL Wild Card series between the current No. 3 seed Milwaukee Brewers (93-68) and the number 6 seeded New York Mets (87-72). The Dodgers are 4-3 against the Brewers and 4-2 against the Mets in 2024, with Freeman playing all 13 games. If they want to maintain that lead over both teams, especially when the lights shine brighter in October, they need Freeman to be active and at his best.