Why isn't Tyler Freeman playing in the AL Championship Series game 1 against the Yankees?

The Cleveland Guardians head into Game 1 of the AL Championship Series without Tyler Freeman, and his absence comes as a disappointment to the team. Freeman, a key utility player who’s been invaluable throughout the season, especially against pitchers like Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, was expected to make an impact. Instead, Freeman finds himself sidelined by a left oblique strain, an injury he sustained during a team workout on Sunday.

Freeman’s injury hits at a tough moment, with the Guardians now facing the New York Yankees. “He felt a little something during the machine batting practice,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said, describing how Freeman first noticed the issue. “Then, when he took a live at-bat off Ben Lively, one swing and the oblique just went.” It’s a familiar scenario for many in baseball, where a single wrong move can knock a player out at the worst possible time. “It happens,” Vogt added. “We just feel so much for Free. It’s been a rough couple weeks for him.”

The strain came just as Freeman seemed primed to contribute, especially after a strong showing against Skubal earlier in the year. During the regular season, Freeman went 3-for-4 against the Tigers’ ace, a performance that had raised hopes for a repeat. The Guardians managed to get ten hits off Skubal in that game, though they only scratched out one run. Freeman’s success at the plate was a rare bright spot, and the team had been counting on his ability to handle tough pitching in this series.

Vogt acknowledges Freeman’s absence changes the lineup strategy. “I think the lineup could have looked different,” he said. The Guardians know they’ll miss Freeman’s versatility - he’s played across the infield and even in the outfield this season - but they’re fortunate to have a capable replacement in Angel Martínez.

Martínez, already with the team and ready to go, steps in as Freeman’s replacement. Like Freeman, Martínez offers flexibility on defense, capable of playing third base, shortstop, second base, and outfield. He has been steadily improving and has proven himself a reliable player when called upon. “He’s been working hard, in every meeting, he’s prepared,” Vogt said. “We’ve all seen what Angel can bring to our team.”

While Freeman’s injury casts a shadow, Martínez’s promotion provides a silver lining for the Guardians. He’s been part of the team’s success during the final stretch of the season, and now, he’ll get a chance to make his mark on the ALCS stage. “We’re really excited that Angel is going to be active,” Vogt said. “But we still feel deeply for Free. He’s been a big part of what we’ve created all year long.”

Freeman will remain with the team, supporting them from the dugout, but as Game 1 gets underway, it’s Martínez who will have to help fill the void against the Yankees. Cleveland knows it has a tough road ahead without Freeman, but they’re confident in the depth and adaptability of their roster. As Freeman rests up, the Guardians press on, still determined to make their mark in the ALCS.