Freddie Freeman Has Pursued Knee Rehab For NLDS
The Dodgers star is refining his swing mechanics to overcome a right knee injury before the division series.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Baseball
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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has been rehabbing patellar tendonitis in his right knee during the team's bye week. Freeman is currently focused on mechanical adjustments to his swing to prepare for the National League Division Series.
Why it matters
Freeman aims to address specific swing deficiencies caused by his knee injury that hampered his performance late in the season. Manager Dave Roberts expects the slugger to be near full strength for the start of the playoffs.
Freeman concluded his 2026 regular season with a .288 batting average, 16 home runs, and a .792 OPS. He is currently utilizing daily batting sessions exceeding 400 swings to calibrate his footwork.
The players
Freddie Freeman
He is an All-Star first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has established himself as a consistent offensive force in Major League Baseball.
Dave Roberts
He serves as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers and is responsible for team personnel decisions during the postseason.
The details
To recover his form, Freeman is working on a step-out mental cue to correct his front foot placement that faltered while playing through the injury. He maintains that he will be ready for the opening game of the series at Dodger Stadium.
Timeline
September 2, 2026: Freeman hit two hits and snapped a home run drought.
September 2026: Freeman struggled through a three-week slump due to his injury.
September 27, 2026: Freeman appeared in the final regular-season game.
September 29, 2026: Freeman explained his recovery status during a video conference.
October 3, 2026: Freeman anticipates returning to the lineup for Game 1.
Season Trajectory
Freeman's ability to regain his mechanical rhythm is a critical variable for the Dodgers' success in the National League Division Series. A return to his career-standard production could significantly bolster the team's chances as they navigate the postseason bracket.
Freeman's mechanical recalibration suggests he will occupy his typical spot in the starting lineup for Game 1. Fantasy players and fans should monitor his final pre-game batting practice to confirm he has maintained his power output after a late-season average of .167.
The takeaway
Players often face significant mechanical hurdles when managing soft-tissue injuries late in a demanding season. Implementing focused mental cues and high-repetition drills can help athletes realign their body mechanics before high-stakes playoff competition.
Further reading
For more on the Dodgers playoff roster and injury updates, visit Los Angeles Baseball.
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Should athletes play through injuries during important playoff games?
