Dave Roberts had great reason for not giving Freddie Freeman a day off

Jun 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) in the dugout before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman was in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Colorado Rockies despite being hit by a pitch the night before, and it sounds like he gave manager Dave Roberts no choice but to play him.

Freeman took a 91-mph fastball to the right knee from Rockies pitcher Matt Koch on Saturday night. He limped down to first base and remained in the game after being briefly checked by a trainer. The slugger later told reporters that he declined X-rays and was not considering sitting out the series finale on Sunday.

As many expected, Freeman got the start on Sunday. Roberts was asked before the game if he tried to convince Freeman to sit out. That led to Roberts sharing a great story.

“I came in from the postgame scrum (on Friday) and he was in my office in my chair getting ahead of it so I wouldn’t entertain him not playing today,” Roberts told the media. “So, I didn’t try to even go there.”

Freddie Freeman was waiting in Dave Roberts' office last night, sitting in his chair, to make sure he was going to be in the lineup today. pic.twitter.com/neCZ9btYAb

— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) August 13, 2023

Freeman prides himself on his durability. The first baseman has not missed a game this season after sitting out just three all of last year. He has also been red hot over the past two months and is having an MVP-caliber season with a .342 average, 23 home runs, 83 RBI and a 1.012 OPS. He even has a fairly new dance celebration.

Dodgers fans have to love that Freeman refuses to miss a game.