Freddie Freeman knew Wednesday morning he wouldn’t play in Game 4 against the Padres.

He sat down for breakfast with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, and both agreed he needed to rest even though the team was on the brink of elimination.

Still, Roberts decided to put Freeman’s name in the lineup for a little “gamesmanship,” as Freeman put it. However, less than two hours before the game, Freeman was officially scratched.

Despite his absence, the Dodgers dominated the Padres 8-0 at Petco Park, forcing a Game 5 back at Dodger Stadium.

Freeman is dealing with an ankle injury that he struggles with every day. His status for Friday’s game is to be determined.

“Like I said, it’s day by day,” Freeman said after the win. “I’m just glad we got a Game 5.”

He explained that he rested his ankle all day without trying to run on it.

His Thursday plan? Go to the field, get treated and see how it feels.

The injury would normally sideline him for at least a month during the regular season, but there is no time for that now. Along with the ankle injury, a bruise in his foot and constant pain in his side have made it difficult for Freeman to continue. Injections and treatments barely got him through the series, with just one nine-inning outing to his name. Every time he takes the field it is a grind and requires hours of preparation.

“What he did,” Max Muncy said, “was gladiator-like.”

So Muncy said, “Every guy here went up to Freddie and said, ‘Hey, we got you. Don’t worry.’”

The Dodgers made good on that promise, starting without both Freeman and shortstop Miguel Rojas. Eight relievers combined to shut out the Padres, while the bottom half of the Dodgers’ lineup finally broke out of their slump.

“Going into the postseason, it’s a street fight,” Roberts said. “It’s about people, players, and your desire must be greater than that of your opponent. And seeing our guys go through what they went through and seeing how they respond really gets me excited about Game 5.”

Game 5 is scheduled for Friday 5:08 PM PT at Dodger Stadium.