Freddie Freeman injury: Dodgers 1B out of lineup for NLCS Game 6

LOS ANGELES – No Freddie Freeman in the Dodgers' starting lineup in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Mets as the first baseman continues to struggle with his sprained right ankle.

Freeman is just 3-of-18 with one walk in the NLCS and 7-of-32 (.219/.242/.219) with all of his hit singles this postseason. He was also limited in running and playing on the field. The Dodgers have tried to manage his workload by replacing him as a defensive replacement near the end of five of his eight games, and he had two full games off – both Game 4 of the NLDS and the NLCS.

Dave Roberts was asked on Saturday whether a handcuffed Freeman was hurting the team through his play.

“If you look at the results of the last handful of attacks, you could argue that point,” Roberts said. “But I could also argue that him doing what he can to be on the field and post up, I think he has a loud voice in this clubhouse.”

“I will not jeopardize his health or certainly win a game if he is not mentally and/or physically ready.”

Freeman took part in on-field batting practice during Saturday's practice at Dodger Stadium, a rarity for him, in addition to daily treatment for his right ankle, which he sprained on Sept. 26. Before the Division Series, doctors told Freeman his ankle was typically an injury that took four to six weeks to recover from.

With Freeman out of the lineup on Sunday, Max Muncy moves to first base and Kiké Hernández starts at third base.

“It could be that he's late to the offense, but the defense – he took batting practice yesterday, felt good – but he just doesn't feel like himself,” Roberts said Sunday. “So we just felt like maybe another day would help.”

With left-hander Sean Manaea on the mound sits Gavin Lux. Roberts said Saturday that Lux is feeling better with his hip flexor, although not yet at 100 percent. Chris Taylor is at second base and Andy Pages starts in center field after hitting two home runs in Game 5.

Michael Kopech will be the first pitcher on the mound for the Dodgers' bullpen game. I expect the team will look to use its best backups when it comes to the top of the Mets' batting order.

“It's part of a cast we like, Michael. He’s started games before,” Roberts said. “We just feel like our best chance is to get a zero in the first inning and then advance.”

Kopech last pitched in Game 3 on Wednesday, his only appearance in the last eight days. He is one of several rested Dodgers relievers heading into Sunday night.