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 Dave Roberts Unsure If Freddie Freeman Will Start All 10 Games Of Roadtrip
May 2, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) on the field against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images May 2, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) on the field against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Freddie Freeman has been a mainstay for the Los Angeles Dodgers since they signed him prior to the 2022 season, but recently, he has been forced to play through injury.

The 35-year-old first injured his ankle at the end of the 2024 season, and after playing through pain in the postseason, he underwent offseason surgery.

Freeman then missed the Tokyo Series to start 2025, but returned to the Dodgers lineup for the home opener on March 28. However, he slipped in his shower in early April and ended up on the 10-day injured list.

Even in Spring Training, Freeman knew he would have to continue to manage his ankle. Although he’s someone who never wants to sit out a game, he also acknowledge he may need more rest days during the season.

With the Dodgers now on a 10 game roadtrip, Freeman may have to take a game or two off to get some rest for his ankle.

“We’ll see,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I know he expects to, which is a good thing. I do expect him to play three in Atlanta, and then I do expect him to play four in Arizona.

“We’ll figure out those middle games.”

Freeman was in the lineup for both games against the Atlanta Braves on May 2 and 3, and he’s expected to be in the lineup on May 4.

From there, the Dodgers travel to face the Miami Marlins for three games from May 5-7, when Freeman could get a day or two off.

It makes sense for the Dodgers to rest Freeman before a weaker opponent before they begin a four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dodgers don’t want Freddie Freeman stealing bases

Freeman isn’t known for his speed, but he is a smart baserunner and has been able to swipe a base here and there. Despite that, Roberts does not want to see Freeman attempting to steal any bases until his ankle is fully recovered.

Freeman believes he’s able to run the bases without any hesitation or concern, but the Dodgers will always err on the side of caution early in the season.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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