The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to clash with the Chicago Cubs in an anticipated Friday night matchup at Dodger Stadium. However, a recent minor setback had cast a shadow over the lineup: first baseman Freddie Freeman had re-aggravated his ankle following a shower “mishap.” While initial expectations pointed towards Freeman’s return for this very game against the Cubs, the official word on his availability remained uncertain leading up to the contest.
As of the time of this report, no definitive announcement had been made regarding Freeman’s status. Nevertheless, Jon Morosi of MLB Network provided an optimistic outlook, stating that Freeman was indeed “expected to play” on Friday night.
Freddie Freeman Expected To Play In Los Angeles Dodgers Vs. Chicago Cubs On Friday
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “MLB Central,” Morosi conveyed the prevailing sentiment, saying, “The expectation is Freddie Freeman will be in the lineup for the Dodgers tonight.”
Prior to this recent ankle issue, Freeman had participated in three games for the Dodgers, showcasing his offensive prowess with a .250/.250/.833/1.083 slash line across 12 plate appearances, including two home runs. Freeman’s consistent high level of performance has made him a perennial MVP candidate throughout his career.
Despite this sustained excellence, the veteran slugger has surprisingly only captured one MVP award, though he has finished within the top five of the voting on five separate occasions, highlighting his year-to-year impact.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers, despite their strong start to the season, have experienced a slight cooling off period. Their 10-4 record is undoubtedly respectable, yet it places them third in the highly competitive National League West. While many anticipated the Dodgers would dominate the division, the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks have shown the potential to make the divisional race intriguing.
Freeman’s anticipated return would provide a significant boost to the Dodgers’ lineup as they face a formidable challenge in the Chicago Cubs, who hold a 9-6 record and first place in the National League Central. The first pitch for Friday night’s game is scheduled for 10:10 PM Eastern Time in Los Angeles, and all indications suggest that Freddie Freeman will indeed be back in the Dodgers’ lineup.