Dodgers’ Roberts ‘expects’ Freddie Freeman (ankle) for Game 1

LOS ANGELES – Freddie Freeman is still dealing with the sprained right ankle he suffered on September 26, but Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts apparently has no doubts about his availability for Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday.

“I expect him to be in the lineup,” Roberts said before Friday’s pre-NLDS practice. ‘We’ll know what that looks like when we see him there. But with Freddie, I have no doubt he will be ready to go.”

Freeman took at-bats in an intrasquad scrimmage from Dodger Stadium on Thursday. Although he didn’t run the bases or play defense, Roberts called it “a good step forward.”

On Friday, Freeman picked up a handful of groundballs at first base and briefly ran around the bases, including a near-sprint from first to third base. Freeman was still visibly hurting his tender ankle, but said, “I’m fine,” as he passed reporters on the way back to the clubhouse.

Given the presence of Shohei Ohtani as designated hitter, Freeman must take the field to participate in this series. If he can’t go, the Dodgers will move Max Muncy from third to first base and start Enrique Hernandez at Muncy’s original position.

But that doesn’t seem to be an option at the moment.

“I really don’t want to let my mind wander there,” Roberts said.