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Will Freddie Freeman play in the NL Championship Series Game 1 against the Mets?

The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers will go head to head for the NL Pennant but injuries and health may play a big part in the proceedings.

Jeffrey May
Jeffrey MayJeff_DiarioAS
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Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a single in the first inning during game five of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jayne Kamin-OnceaUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Freddie Freeman’s status for Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Mets has been a hot topic for Dodgers fans. Despite playing through a bad sprain in his right ankle, all signs point to Freeman being in the lineup for tonight’s opener. The Dodgers' star first baseman has been toughing it out, and while the injury may limit him as the series drags on, he’ll likely be ready to step into his usual spot in the batting order.

The stage is set for a battle between two teams that have already written chapters of drama this season. The Mets, having turned their year around after a May sweep by the Dodgers, find themselves face-to-face with their old foe. That series marked a key turning point for New York, culminating in a players-only meeting led by Francisco Lindor. Now, they return to Chavez Ravine, where they hope to recreate some of the magic from their 2015 postseason run, when they stunned the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLDS.

As Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo puts it, “None of this is easy. That’s what postseason’s all about. But we like our chances against anybody.”

On the Dodgers' side, manager Dave Roberts is confident that his team will be ready to face a red-hot Mets squad. “The job’s not done,” Roberts said after eliminating San Diego in the Division Series. “That Mets team is playing really good baseball, but we’ll be ready.”

Starting Pitchers

Mets: Kodai Senga

The Mets hand the ball to right-hander Kodai Senga for Game 1. Senga was a bit of a surprise pick in the Mets’ first Division Series game against Philadelphia, but he managed to settle in after giving up a leadoff home run to Kyle Schwarber. This will be his second start since coming off an injury in July, and the Mets hope his deceptive ghost forkball keeps Dodgers hitters off balance.

Dodgers: Jack Flaherty

The Dodgers turn to Jack Flaherty, who was their big acquisition at the Trade Deadline. Flaherty struggled in Game 2 of the NLDS, giving up four runs over 5.1 innings, but he’s been given the nod again for the NLCS opener. Dodgers fans hope he can bounce back under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium.

Lineups

Mets:

  1. Francisco Lindor, SS
  2. Mark Vientos, 3B
  3. Brandon Nimmo, LF
  4. Pete Alonso, 1B
  5. Jose Iglesias, 2B
  6. Jesse Winker, DH
  7. Starling Marte, RF
  8. Tyrone Taylor, CF
  9. Francisco Alvarez, C

Dodgers:

  1. Shohei Ohtani, DH
  2. Mookie Betts, RF
  3. Freddie Freeman, 1B
  4. Teoscar Hernández, LF
  5. Max Muncy, 3B
  6. Will Smith, C
  7. Gavin Lux, 2B
  8. Kiké Hernández, CF
  9. Tommy Edman, SS

Bullpen Strategy

Both teams come into this game with well-rested bullpens. The Mets have a few question marks, especially closer Edwin Díaz, who has struggled with command this postseason. But with guys like Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek in top form, the Mets will have options to bridge any gaps left by Senga. Lefty David Peterson can handle length if needed.

The Dodgers' bullpen, on the other hand, is coming off an impressive 24-inning scoreless streak in the Division Series. Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Michael Kopech will be relied upon heavily again, especially with the uncertainty around Freeman’s ankle and Miguel Rojas’ potential pinch-hitting role.

Injury Notes

The Mets are welcoming back Jeff McNeil after a wrist fracture kept him sidelined since early September. McNeil is likely to factor into the lineup at either second base or in right field, depending on how Carlos Mendoza shuffles things. Lindor is still dealing with a lingering back issue but remains a full go for the series.

The Dodgers, as mentioned, are dealing with Freeman’s ankle injury. He’s playing through it, but there’s concern over how it might affect him as the series wears on. Miguel Rojas is also limited with a torn adductor, likely restricting him to late-inning defense or a pinch-hit at-bat.

What’s at Stake

Both teams have been here before. The Dodgers are no strangers to October pressure, having claimed a World Series in recent years and looking to add another to their tally. Meanwhile, the Mets are trying to prove that their hot streak since late May is no fluke, aiming to upset the top-seeded Dodgers once again.

Game 1 could set the tone for the series. If Senga can settle in and hold the Dodgers down early, the Mets might be able to steal one on the road. On the other hand, if Flaherty finds his form, the Dodgers’ powerful lineup could put New York on their heels.

Dodger Stadium will be buzzing, and all eyes will be on Freeman as he battles through injury to try and help his team take a 1-0 lead in this heavyweight clash.

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