"I'm expecting Freddie Freeman to be in there" - Manager Dave Roberts gives encouraging update on Dodgers star's Game 5 availability

It appears that Freddie Freeman will be in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Friday night. The eight-time All-Star has been struggling with an ankle sprain that he sustained prior to the beginning of the postseason.

Although he has not be able to perform at 100%, according to manager Dave Roberts, the first baseman should be good to go for Game 5.

"He's going to be in there when the lineups come out. I'm expecting not a pivot tonight. I expect him to be in there," Dave Roberts said in an interview with MLB Network Radio.

This is a massive update for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans heading into the winner-take-all Game 5 at Dodger Stadium. Even when he is not 100% healthy, Freddie Freeman is still one of the best players in the MLB, so having him ready to go is the best-case scenario.

Freeman was out of the lineup in Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, but is now slated for a return.

So far this postseason, Freeman has yet to hit a home run but has done an admirable job at the plate, posting a .273 batting average and even a stolen base.

"He feels good as relative to his body right now... He's doing everything he can to be in there for the guys. You know when he's in there, something good can happen but if he's not, we have plenty more guys who are capable," Roberts continued.

If Freeman is indeed back in the lineup, he will likely take his spot in the heart of the batting order behind superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

His return to the lineup could be a major step towards the Dodgers clinching a spot in the NLCS to take on the New York Mets.

Miguel Rojas will not be joining Freddie Freeman in the Game 5 lineup for the Dodgers

Although it appears that Freddie Freeman will be locked in to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Friday night, the same cannot be said about Miguel Rojas.

The veteran shortstop has been dealing with a torn adductor muscle, something that will keep him sidlelined for Game 5.

Tommy Edman is slated to take his place in the lineup and will start at shortstop for the club. Rojas has appeared in three games for the Dodgers this postseason but will take a seat for the second consecutive matchup.