The 2024 MLB playoffs are heating up with the National League Championship Series kicking off Sunday night, featuring the Mets against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, after a bye in the Wild Card Series, defeated their rivals, the Padres, to reach this point. Meanwhile, the Mets overcame both the Brewers and Phillies to advance.
Both teams are eyeing a spot in the World Series where they’ll face either the Guardians or Yankees. As we gear up for Game 1 between these two formidable teams, let’s dive into some key questions surrounding them.
Dodgers: Can Freeman Deliver?
Freddie Freeman is battling through a sprained right ankle this postseason and isn’t at his best. He’s been visibly struggling on-field, often limping and grimacing during games. In recent matches against the Padres, he was even subbed out for defensive purposes late in Games 4 and 5. During Game 5’s sixth inning, he had to stretch far to snag a ground ball and then needed a breather after making a play.
Max Muncy commented post-Game 5 that they used mound visits as breaks for Freeman rather than pitcher Evan Phillips. Despite being hobbled, Freeman managed to go 4-for-14 (.286) in the NLDS but was clearly limited by his injury when he could only manage a single instead of what could have been a double in Game 5. Trainers have told him it’s typically a four-to-six-week recovery period; yet here he is playing just over two weeks post-injury.
Fans might wonder if Freeman can still make an impact despite his condition because having Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freeman firing on all cylinders is crucial for Dodgers’ success against strong opponents like the Mets.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Freeman’s participation: “My goal is…to play every game,” he said Saturday while noting that Freeman feels slightly better each day.
Mets: What’s After Senga?
Kodai Senga returned from shoulder trouble to join the Mets’ postseason run but has been limited due to pitch counts since his comeback. He threw just two innings of one-run ball (31 pitches) against Phillies in NLDS Game 1 but aims to push further on Sunday – possibly reaching four innings if things go well – leaving much work ahead for their bullpen regardless.
Senga stated he’s ready until they take him out: “I’m going until they take away my ball.” Left-hander David Peterson has stepped up during playoffs with three relief appearances including saving Wild Card Series Game 3 versus Brewers; he’ll likely be called upon again behind Senga against Dodgers while pitching on three days rest.
Though impressive so far this postseason—fans have noticed—the Mets’ bullpen has shown vulnerabilities lately with closer Edwin Díaz appearing fatigued along with setup man Phil Maton struggling through October while José Buttó seems less trusted following NLDS performances.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared plans remain flexible beyond Senga’s outing saying everyone should be prepared as needed throughout Sunday’s game versus Dodgers lineup known for working counts effectively wearing down opposing pitchers over time… What do you think? Can these teams overcome their challenges?
