Freddie Freeman was a surprising omission from the Los Angeles Dodgers’ NLCS Game 4 lineup against the New York Mets.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday he expected Freeman to adapt. However, when the Dodgers’ lineup was announced, Freeman was not there.

Read more: Freddie Freeman and Gavin Lux surprisingly left out of the Dodgers lineup in NLCS Game 4

While speaking to reporters just over an hour after the lineup was released, Roberts revealed why Freeman did not play. He was just trying to keep his workload in check in the middle of three straight games.

Freeman went 3-for-13 in the NLCS with an RBI and two strikeouts. He is struggling with the ankle sprain he suffered in late September when the Dodgers clinched the NL West against the San Diego Padres.

While speaking to reporters for the NLDS, Freeman said his injury would normally require a period of four to six weeks on the injured list. However, Freeman was ready to compete in Game 1 of the NLDS just 10 days later.

Freeman played all but one game in the NLDS and missed Game 4. Now he will miss Game 4 of the NLCS. The Dodgers play again on Friday, so the hope is that Freeman can get in on a potential elimination game if LA wins on Thursday night.

Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn images

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