Dodgers Expect Freddie Freeman to Avoid Injured List Despite Knee Soreness

Freddie Freeman was absent from the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup during Monday's 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds due to right knee soreness.

Freddie Freeman remained out of the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup for Monday night's 4-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. The first baseman is currently managing right knee soreness and has missed three of the team's last five games. Despite the injury, manager Dave Roberts stated that placing Freeman on the 10-day injured list is not an option at this time, though he acknowledged the rest period could extend beyond a single day. Freeman is currently batting .293 on the season but has struggled recently, going 3-for-30 with nine strikeouts.

The Dodgers (91-59) currently hold a 2½-game lead over Atlanta for the National League's second seed, trailing Milwaukee (93-57) for the top mark. The team's magic number to clinch their 13th NL West title in 14 years stands at three. Roberts indicated that proper management of the knee should prevent nagging issues during the postseason, where the team hopes to secure a first-round bye.

In other roster developments, Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to hit off a tee in Los Angeles on Tuesday for the first time since being placed on the 15-day IL on Sept. 8 with right biceps inflammation. Meanwhile, reliever Edwin Díaz continues to struggle in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing six earned runs over 3⅓ innings. Roberts noted that Díaz, who is dealing with neck inflammation and control issues, could potentially be left off the postseason roster if his performance does not improve.