LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers will use hard-throwing right-handed reliever Michael Kopech to open Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday, a scheduled bullpen game, with a chance to advance to the World Series.
Freddie Freeman, who has spent all month battling a sprained right ankle, is not in the lineup against New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea, a particularly difficult matchup for left-handed hitters because of his crossfire delivery.
Freeman took batting practice on the field during Saturday's workout, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he «just doesn't feel like himself.» Freeman is expected to be available to pinch hit and will probably start against right-hander Luis Severino if the NLCS moves to a winner-take-all Game 7.
With Freeman out of the lineup, the Dodgers moved Max Muncy to first base and Enrique Hernandez to third, with Andy Pages starting in center.