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Dodgers news: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman out for Nationals clash
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- Dodgers news: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman out for Nationals clash
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The Los Angeles Dodgers could use a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their lineup and rotation are rife with aging, injury-prone and presently banged-up stars who could benefit from some additional rest. However, if the two-time reigning World Series champions can use the remainder of the regular season to get healthy and reinvigorated, then it may not matter when they play in October. Manager Dave Roberts is keeping both Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman out of the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Washington Nationals, per the Orange County Register's Bill Plunkett.
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Ohtani was sidelined during Thursday's 3-2 comeback win over the St. Louis Cardinals and is considered day to day with a lingering knee issue and biceps and neck discomfort. Freeman, who has missed only four games in his age 36 campaign (turns 37 on Sept. 12), is getting a breather after going 0-for-4 in the series finale versus the Cards.
Fans want to see these two left-handed assassins when they flock to the ballpark, but the Dodgers need them fresh for the playoffs. Ohtani especially requires a couple days to reset after falling into a slump the last couple of weeks. Even if he does not pitch again in 2026, the four-time MVP could change a playoff game with one swing. He is batting .279 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs, a .381 on-base percentage, .525 slugging percentage and .906 OPS.
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Pete Crow-Armstrong's expected MVP win does not obscure the fact that Shohei Ohtani is still a juggernaut. The Dodgers are hoping he can regain his top form without serving a stint on the injured list.
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Like LA as a whole, Freddie Freeman endured some scuffles in August, but he is still posting a terrific 2026 season. The future Hall of Fame first baseman has amassed a .303 batting average and .844 OPS with 16 homers and 32 doubles this year. The man remains one of the most reliable hitters in the sport. What does Father Time have to say about that? He is entitled to a day off.
Facing a Nationals squad (67-75) that is only three games clear of the last-place New York Mets, the Dodgers (83-57) could still prevail at home without these two huge difference-makers. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET.
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