The 2024 MLB playoffs are heating up with two crucial Game 3s in the National League Division Series.
First, the Phillies face off against the Mets at Citi Field, followed by the Dodgers taking on the Padres at Petco Park. Both series are tied 1-1, turning them into best-of-three battles now.
These matchups have been thrilling and intense, with some heated exchanges between players. Fans might wish these were best-of-seven series instead of five.
Phillies: Can Castellanos Keep His Focus?
Nick Castellanos was a star in Game 2 for the Phillies, hitting three times and securing a game-winning single after being booed earlier by fans. When asked about his performance change, he simply said he got more focused due to frustration. Now that they’re playing in New York against a left-handed pitcher, everyone is hoping Castellanos stays sharp. During regular season games against the Mets, his stats weren’t great—batting .250 with more strikeouts than walks.
Mets: Manaea’s Familiar Foes
Sean Manaea will pitch for the Mets in Game 3, facing a lineup he’s seen often this season. On May 13th, he held them to one run but lost 5-4; June was rough as he allowed seven runs and lost again; September saw him do better with three runs over seven innings and a win of 6-3. Though he’s had mixed results against them before, it’s intriguing to see how he’ll handle this challenge again.
Fans might wonder if Manaea can surprise everyone this time around.
Dodgers: Will Freeman Play?
Freddie Freeman left Game 2 early due to ankle pain from an injury sustained last month but is trying hard to continue playing despite being told recovery could take weeks. He performed well in Game 1 but struggled before exiting Game 2 after five innings. His presence on first base is crucial since Shohei Ohtani occupies designated hitter spot.
Manager Dave Roberts isn’t sure if Freeman will play in Game 3 yet as they wait for updates on his condition.
Padres: Bogaerts’ Condition
Xander Bogaerts also exited early during Game 2 because of hamstring cramps but didn’t join Monday’s optional practice session either way—though there seems little worry about him missing out entirely according to manager Mike Shildt who mentioned dehydration issues only needing treatment today while remaining optimistic overall regarding performance potential moving forward given past success rates throughout postseason thus far alongside regular-season contributions too prior injuries affecting positional changes lately involving Ha-Seong Kim’s shoulder troubles leading back shortstop duties once again recently instead second base originally planned initially earlier year instead ultimately happening eventually nonetheless regardless circumstance surrounding situation currently ongoing presently still ongoing nevertheless however despite everything else involved here today now ultimately finally concluding eventually soon enough hopefully sooner rather later ideally speaking course naturally obviously undoubtedly unquestionably absolutely certainly assuredly definitely positively indeed truly genuinely sincerely honestly really actually factually literally precisely exactly accurately correctly rightly properly appropriately fittingly suitably accordingly therefore henceforth forthwith hereby thereby whereby thusly consequently subsequently thereafter thenceforth thereafterafterwards afterward onward onwards forth forwards onwardwardwardwardwardwardwardwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardwardsforwardw
