The Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup has been plagued by injuries, which will make their already difficult job against the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series even more daunting.
Their six-game National League Championship Series against the New York Mets was marred by crippling injuries to key infielders, including superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) and second baseman Gavin Lux (hip). It has been revealed that Lux and Freeman will both be active to begin the Fall Classic, despite initial concerns that they would be injured to begin the World Series.
Throughout his time in Los Angeles, Freeman has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers. The 2020 NL MVP participated in four of Los Angeles’ five NLDS series games against the San Diego Padres this time, as well as four more in their six-game series versus the Mets. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Freeman made the following statement regarding his health prior to Friday’s Game 1 against the Yankees:
“I’m going to give it my all in Game 1 with this time off,” Freeman stated. “I don’t believe anyone is doubting my inclusion in the starting lineup for Game 1.”
The Dodgers defeated San Diego thanks to the eight-time All-Star’s effective bat, which was demonstrated by his.286 batting average, but his ankle suffered an even more severe setback in the NLCS, limiting him to a.167 connect rate at the plate. In any case, he is still among Los Angeles’ top hitters and fielders, so they will need to use both of them to shut down New York.
Lux went.278 at the plate and produced key hits for the Dodgers in the NLDS, but his injured hip flexor limited him to just three appearances in the NLCS, where he went hitless. He has, however, played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ quest for this year’s World Series. Against a strong Yankees hitting order that includes MVP contenders Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, they will be happy to have him and his.980 fielding percentage from the regular season return to their fold.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, during the 162-game schedule, New York’s sluggers did not rank among the most productive in terms of singles, doubles, and triples. The Yankees finished outside the top 10 in doubles and triples, ranking 20th in doubles (243) and 16th in triples (15), despite leading the pack in home runs (237). The Dodgers should be able to prevent the Yankees from loading up and moving along the bags thanks to this plus the fact that their top defenders are guarding the infield.
