The postseason hasn’t been easy for Freddie Freeman. In fact, the whole year has been a rather difficult one for the Dodgers star. However, while earlier it was more of an emotional issue, October has been about his physical pains. His right ankle isn’t doing good but that hasn’t stopped Freeman from getting in the ballpark; although after he missed NLCS Game 6, there was a little doubt over his World Series status.

The fact that the Dodgers are 3-0 in games without Freddie Freeman isn’t hidden to anyone. So, does it mean they can afford to go to the World Series without Freeman? Not at all; perhaps, that’s why there was visible stress in the Dodgers fanbase. However, with the superstar’s latest update, the fans can finally put their worries in the rearview. But then comes the question – what does Freddie’s decision mean for Dodgers’ Fall Classic game plan?

Freddie Freeman gives a good news

The Dodgers first baseman has been working hard after suffering a severe right ankle injury on September 26. He has been receiving treatment for more than three hours every day. Freeman is persevering with just one mission in his mind – to play and win the World Series with the Dodgers. Freeman said. “I think with this time off, it’s going to be a 100% go for me in Game 1 and we’ll adjust off of that after Game 1. But I don’t think there’s any question in anybody’s mind that I will be in the lineup for Game 1.” 

At times, that hard work has paid off for Freddie Freeman, as he’s played in eight of the Dodgers’ 11 games in the 2024 postseason. But there have been moments when his ankle hasn’t responded as well as he hoped. He’s missed three games, including the Dodgers’ impressive 10-5 victory over the New York Mets in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. Still, in his interview with MLB.com, Freeman maintained a positive attitude about his World Series prospects.

More importantly, however, even when Freeman has played, he has struggled immensely. But that has somehow inspired his teammates. The Dodgers hitting staff has stepped up to cover for Freeman. It’s a simple philosophy, if more hitters hit, Freeman will have to do less and that will help him put less pressure on his ankle. However, the Blue Crew’s gameplan doesn’t end just there – there’s much more to it.

The Dodger’s game plan 

The Dodgers have announced their pitching plans, with Jack Flaherty starting in Game 1 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the mound in Game 2, according to Dave Roberts. It looks like Walker Buehler will pitch either Game 3 or 4, with the other game likely being a bullpen effort. It isn’t hidden to anyone that the Yankees’ pitching staff is a tad bit better than Dodgers’ right now. That’s more to do with injuries than quality but it does call for some creativity. Perhaps Roberts too understands that.

Starting Flaherty in Game 1 means they can bring him back on regular four days’ rest for Game 5, which is a smart move. And by going with Yamamoto in Game 2, the rookie right-hander can keep his five-days-off routine, setting him up nicely for a possible appearance in Game 6. Though they will be last-minute additions to the roster, injured relievers Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol are “trending in the right direction”, according to Dave Roberts. 

During Game 5 of the National Division Series, Vesia had a side ailment that prevented him from playing. Due to a persistent shoulder problem that has been an issue throughout the season, Graterol has not thrown since September 24. Are you waiting to see if they can return in time to participate? Share your take in the comments below.