Dodgers Shake Up Lineup for NLCS Game 6, Freeman Benched with Ankle Injury

Dodgers Look to Clinch NLCS with Unconventional Lineup

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a calculated risk in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, opting for a bullpen game with hard-throwing right-hander Michael Kopech on the mound. As they face off against the New York Mets, manager Dave Roberts is also shaking up the lineup, benching star player Freddie Freeman due to a lingering ankle injury.

Freeman Sidelined, but Ready to Pinch Hit

Freeman, who has been battling a sprained right ankle all month, took batting practice on Saturday but was deemed not ready to start. Roberts explained that Freeman “just doesn’t feel like himself,” and with the Mets’ left-hander Sean Manaea on the mound, the matchup didn’t favor the left-handed hitter. However, Freeman is expected to be available to pinch hit and could start in a potential Game 7 against right-hander Luis Severino.

Lineup Shuffle

With Freeman out, the Dodgers have made several adjustments to their lineup. Max Muncy will take over at first base, while Enrique Hernandez moves to third. Andy Pages gets the nod in center field, and right-handed hitter Chris Taylor replaces left-handed hitter Gavin Lux, who is still nursing a hip flexor injury. The Mets, meanwhile, will stick with the same lineup that produced 12 runs in Game 5.

Bullpen Strategy

The Dodgers have been experimenting with different approaches to their bullpen games, and Sunday’s outing will be no exception. Kopech will get the start, and the team hopes to get through the game using their six high-leverage relievers, including Ryan Brasier, Evan Phillips, and Blake Treinen. However, with a potential Game 7 looming, Roberts must balance the workload of his relievers to ensure they’re available for the next game.

A Delicate Balancing Act

As the Dodgers look to clinch the NLCS, they must navigate the fine line between winning the current game and preparing for a potential winner-take-all showdown. Roberts acknowledged the challenge, saying, “That’s something that we’re all going to have to wait and see how the game plays out, and that will dictate that.” With the stakes high, the Dodgers will need to be strategic in their approach to secure a spot in the World Series.

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