Dodgers defeat Mets in NLCS Game 6 to advance to World Series

When Freddie Freeman left the field after a round of batting practice on an off Saturday before Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, he and Dave Roberts had not yet discussed his status for Sunday's potentially decisive game.

The dejected look on Freeman's face said enough, however.

As Roberts indicated this week, Freeman was not in the starting lineup for Game 6 on Sunday as he held out after yielding just one hit in his previous 15 at-bats while battling a limiting ankle sprain.

“I will not jeopardize his health or win a game tomorrow if he is not mentally and/or physically ready,” Roberts said during his day off press conference.

Clearly Freeman wasn't.

Freddie Freeman heads back to the dugout after striking out in Game 2 of the NLCS against the Mets on Oct. 14.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“Just doesn’t feel like himself,” Roberts said before Sunday’s game. “So we just felt like maybe another day would help.”

The lineup news wasn't that much of a surprise. Although Freeman missed only two of the Dodgers' first ten games of those playoffs and he was dealing with an ankle injury that he said would normally require a four- to six-week injured list during the regular season, Freeman's play picked up during the new season weak York phase of the NLCS.

The eight-time All-Star and former most valuable player in the Netherlands was clearly not doing well. His ankle not only hindered his swing, but also prevented him from overcoming mechanical issues he felt at the plate.

And although Freeman completed several rounds of batting practice on Saturday, he didn't seem thrilled with the way the ball came off his bat and kept shaking his head while talking to coaches between his stints at the net.

“I do think the ankle is affecting the momentum,” Roberts said of Freeman. “It crunches.”

Freeman could still be available off the bench. And as Roberts noted, the Dodgers are hoping the career .300 hitter will benefit from the extra rest as they advance to the World Series.

But at least on Sunday they'll have to try to get to first base without him.

Here is the rest of the Dodgers' lineup for Game 6, with Max Muncy moving to first, Kiké Hernández at third and Andy Pages in center field: