The Padres came out swinging, literally, in Game 2 of their NLDS matchup against the Dodgers, smashing six home runs to secure a dominant 10-2 victory and tie the series 1-1. With the scene shifting to San Diego for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday, both teams will be dealing with major injury concerns after losing key players mid-game.
Freeman’s Lingering Ankle Woes Continue to Haunt Dodgers
Dodgers’ star first baseman Freddie Freeman’s early exit wasn’t unexpected, but it was certainly a blow. Freeman, who has been battling through a bone bruise and a sprain in his left ankle since September 26, couldn’t push through the pain this time. After going 0-for-2 and visibly struggling on the field, he was pulled before the sixth inning. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the team would know more about Freeman’s availability following Monday’s off-day workout.
Freeman’s situation has been one of the defining stories of the series. Despite managing an impressive showing in Game 1, including a stolen base, Freeman’s condition remains precarious. He disclosed that, under normal circumstances, the injury would have sidelined him for 4-to-6 weeks. But with the stakes this high, he returned after just eight days of rest. Whether or not he’ll be ready for Game 3 remains in question and could force the Dodgers into a difficult lineup shuffle, given Shohei Ohtani’s locked DH position.
Bogaerts’ Hamstring Scare Leaves Padres on Edge
Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts also left the game early, but under different circumstances. He appeared to tweak his hamstring while fouling off a pitch in the eighth inning but shrugged it off, proceeding to blast a solo homer. With the Padres comfortably leading 7-1 at that point, the team opted for caution and substituted Bogaerts for Tyler Wade in the field.
Fortunately for San Diego, the injury appears minor, with the extra day of rest potentially giving Bogaerts enough time to recover fully. However, if he’s not 100% for Game 3, the Padres might reshuffle their lineup, with Wade slotting in at shortstop and Bogaerts possibly taking on a DH role if he can still hit but not field.
Injury Risks Loom Large as Dodgers Weigh Freeman’s Future
The Dodgers face a critical decision: gamble on Freeman’s health or opt for a roster replacement, which would mean losing him for both the NLDS and the NLCS if they advance. With the team’s left-handed bench options running thin, especially against Padres’ right-handed starter Michael King, Freeman’s absence could be a game-changer. If the Dodgers decide Freeman is too injured to start, he could be relegated to pinch-hitting duties, a major blow to their offensive strategy.
As both teams eye crucial decisions in the next 48 hours, Game 3 in San Diego is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown, where injuries and strategic adjustments could determine the outcome of the series.
