If there was a TV show on the MLB 2024 season, it should surely revolve around the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had had an alarming number of players go out because of injuries, yet, the team prevailed. In fact, they thrived through all the pressure, and what Shohei Ohtani has done, with the 50-50 and all those record-breaking performances—it’s been phenomenal. And finally, they are getting a five-day break now, which, before their post-season opener on Saturday, is crucial.

It’s not because Dodgers players have to be well-rested; they have key players like Miguel Rojas and Freddie Freeman, who are struggling with injuries. Freeman sprained his ankle while dodging a throw during a game against the San Diego Padres, Rojas has a tear in his left adductor and has been playing with the nagging pain for a few weeks. So, they could do good with the rest. Now, at any other time, Freeman would be on the injured list, but not now, and seems like he will be back in the NDLS lineup. 

Dave Roberts delivers optimistic news about Freddie Freeman

There were genuine concerns about Freddie Freeman and his availability for the postseason after his ankle sprain last week. But seems like things are looking bright for Freeman and the team. The X-ray results came back negative. And while Freeman has been using the crutches and wearing a boot, he has already started hitting in the batting cage. Given that he feels like himself, the Dodgers feel that hitting and the timing won’t be a major issue for Freeman. The team’s manager, Dave Roberts, came out with the optimistic news recently.

Dave Roberts said, “They’re progressing. The hope would be to get them both some live pitching probably tomorrow or Friday.” Now, the Dodgers are expecting Freeman to be in the NLDS Game 1 starting lineup on Saturday. And although Freeman may not be 100% okay, his ability to make an impact will be crucial. The team will surely closely monitor his progress and mobility, mostly defense and the bases. With all these ups and downs, fans are hoping to see Freeman back in action at full strength.

Freddie Freeman says he is mentally exhausted

Freddie Freeman played 147 games this season and posted a .282/.378/.476 batting line with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs. Incredibly, Freeman was able to achieve those numbers, given that he faced plenty of obstacles, placed in front of him this season. The sprained ankle and the broken middle finger are physical injuries, and they sure hurt. But these injuries seem nothing considering his emotional challenges this year, which he has openly addressed.

Freddie Freeman lost his close friend Jason Heyward, and that did a number on him. He struggled to find his swing and remained frustrated a lot of times. And then, in July, his youngest son Maximus got paralyzed and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. It is a rare neurological condition and even rarer in children; Maximus was just 3. Talking about his year, Freeman told The New York Times, “Every day it’s a mental grind. I’m mentally exhausted. It’s not just [Max] getting better. There’s so much more that goes into something like this. I could tell you I need more than three days.”

Freeman also noted he would need the rest of his life to reset. The 35-year-old Los Angeles Dodger said he has had plenty of learning this year. But mostly, things are ‘ok’ now and his son is getting better. Nothing scars more than emotional battles, but hopefully, Freddie Freeman can make it back strong and help propel his team.