Dodgers Look to Bounce Back in Series Finale Against Mets Without Freddie Freeman
The Los Angeles Dodgers were stifled at the plate in Wednesday night’s 6-1 loss to the New York Mets, with rookie Andy Pages’ solo home run serving as the team’s only source of offense. The defeat highlighted a rare off-night for a typically potent Dodgers lineup, which now turns its attention to salvaging the final game of the three-game set at Citi Field.
Thursday’s matinee will see a few lineup adjustments, most notably the absence of All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is sitting out for just the second time since returning from the injured list. Kiké Hernández gets the start at first base in Freeman’s place, while Tommy Edman reenters the lineup after missing the previous two games.
The Dodgers will face Mets left-hander David Peterson, who has been solid this season with a 4-2 record and a 2.69 ERA. Opposing him will be right-hander Landon Knack (3-2, 4.58 ERA), making his latest case to remain in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Dodgers Starting Lineup – June 5 vs. Mets
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Mookie Betts, SS
- Will Smith, C
- Teoscar Hernández, RF
- Andy Pages, CF
- Tommy Edman, 2B
- Kiké Hernández, 1B
- Michael Conforto, LF
- Miguel Rojas, 3B
Mets Starting Lineup
- Brandon Nimmo (L) LF
- Starling Marte (R) DH
- Juan Soto (L) RF
- Pete Alonso (R) 1B
- Jeff McNeil (L) 2B
- Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
- Brett Baty (L) 3B
- Francisco Alvarez (R) C
- Luisangel Acuña (R) SS
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. PT on SportsNet LA.
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Managing Freeman’s Health Long-Term
Freddie Freeman’s absence is part of a long-term management plan by the Dodgers aimed at keeping the 35-year-old healthy across the grind of a 162-game season. After undergoing offseason right ankle surgery and suffering a setback in late March, Freeman missed nine games earlier this year. Though known for his ironman streaks, Freeman has embraced a more cautious approach in 2025.
Since returning from the injured list, Freeman had started 45 consecutive games before Thursday’s planned rest day—an impressive stretch considering he’s still managing occasional discomfort. He was seen limping slightly after a slide into home plate during the Dodgers’ May 30 series opener against the Yankees, but confirmed it was more a result of a rundown earlier in the game than a flare-up of the ankle injury.
“He still feels good,” manager Dave Roberts said Thursday. “It’s a day game after a night game, and we’ve got a long trip coming up. It just made sense to give him a day, and he’ll be available if we need him late.”
Freeman was pinch-hit for in the eighth inning on Wednesday and is expected to return to the starting lineup Friday in St. Louis. Barring any setbacks, he should be in the lineup throughout the Dodgers’ six-game road trip, which leads into a scheduled off day on June 12.