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Los Angeles Dodgers' strong start of eight consecutive victories was overshadowed by a three-game losing streak, leaving them 9-4 and displaced by the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants in the National League East, as well as being at risk of suffering their first sweep against the Washington Nationals.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that he anticipates first baseman Freddie Freeman will return to the lineup Friday when the team begins a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
After losing the series to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Dodgers have struggled in their visit to Washington and started out behind on the scoreboard in the first four innings, which could represent a painful setback and the urgency to have Freeman back in the lineup.
Freeman suffered a sprain in the shower
Freeman has been taking live batting practice in recent days. He was placed on the injured list retroactively to March 31 after suffering a sprained right ankle, which was operated on, when he slipped in the shower at his home.
"Just watching him run yesterday, I would say he's better than when he started the season," Roberts said. "I saw him make some lateral moves, but that's probably a better question for Freddie."
Freeman is 3-for-12 with two home runs and four RBIs in three games this season. He missed the Dodgers' season-opening series in Tokyo against the Cubs with left rib soreness, then missed last week's series against Atlanta before being placed on the injured list.
He twisted the same ankle last September, then struggled in the first two playoff series before winning the World Series MVP award, hitting four home runs in five games against the New York Yankees. He underwent debridement surgery in December to remove loose bodies from the ankle.