NL West

Freddie Freeman has done it again.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star hit another home run, his fourth in as many games in the World Series against the New York Yankees. The first-inning homer also marked sixth-straight World Series game with a homer, dating back to the 2021 World Series when he was with the Atlanta Braves. No player had ever hit home runs in six consecutive World Series games.

Freeman's home run gave Los Angeles an early 2-0 lead.

HERE COMES FREDDIE 😤

ANOTHER #WORLDSERIES HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/sig1uFJr26

— MLB (@MLB) October 30, 2024

SIX STRAIGHT WORLD SERIES GAMES WITH A HOME RUN

HAS NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE pic.twitter.com/IPOCt2pjDI

— MLB (@MLB) October 30, 2024

FREDDY FREEMAN WE ARE NOT WORTHY!!!!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 30, 2024

With his homer on Tuesday, Freeman became the sole player to hit home runs in six consecutive World Series games. On Monday, he tied the record held by George Springer, who did it with the Houston Astros.

Freeman's first home run of the series came in Game 1 when he hit a walk-off grand slam to give the Dodgers a 6-3 win in extra innings.

IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
FREDDIE FREEMAN #WALKOFF GRAND SLAM pic.twitter.com/LlVU1ZGyGx

— MLB (@MLB) October 26, 2024

His home run in Game 2 gave Los Angeles a three-run lead and ultimately enough to walk away with another win. In Game 3 on Monday, Freeman homered in the first inning to kickstart the Dodgers offense on their way to a 4-2 victory.

Though a lot can still happen, Freeman seems to be well on his way to his second World Series title and first World Series MVP. He has six hits, four home runs and nine RBI, by far the Dodgers' most productive player in the series.

Freeman had a decent showing in the NLDS and NLCS, recording seven hits and one RBI across eight games, but has stepped up in a big way in the World Series and might be the reason the Dodgers complete a clean sweep of the Yankees.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are just a win away from clinching the World Series after topping the New York Yankees 4-2 in Game 3 on Monday night in the Bronx.

The victory gave them a comfortable 3-0 series lead.

It was a dominant showing from Los Angeles starting pitcher Walker Buehler, who tossed five shutout innings, allowing just two hits and picking up five strikeouts. From there, the Dodgers looked to Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, Daniel Hudson, Anthony Banda and Ryan Brasier, who gave up just two hits between them.

Things got a bit scary for the Dodgers in the bottom of the ninth when Michael Kopech gave up a two-out, two-run homer to Alex Verdugo, but he managed to regain his composure and get the final out.

Freddie Freeman hit his third home run in as many games, this time a two-run shot in the top of the first to give the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. Freeman now has four hits, three home runs and seven RBI in the series. The homer also marked five consecutive World Series games with home runs for Freeman, dating back to the 2021 World Series when he was with the Atlanta Braves.

FREDDIE FREEMAN.
AGAIN.
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/8fnqpcSrjp

— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2024

After another big game from Freeman, fans hyped the first baseman as a World Series MVP favorite.

Lotta baseball left.

But

Freddie Freeman making a VERY strong case for MVP.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) October 29, 2024

Freddie. WORLD SERIES MVP. Freeman. pic.twitter.com/cj9RPEm1jy

— 𝕷𝕬 𝕲𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖝𝖞 𝕺𝖀𝕿𝕾𝕯𝕽 (@LAGalaxyOUTSDR) October 29, 2024

https://twitter.com/ChristianJeffM/status/1851094133256892830

Freddie Freeman for World Series MVP!!!

— Adrian Franco (@adro_franco) October 29, 2024

FREDDIE MVP FREEMAN pic.twitter.com/5YC3x5kBzQ

— maldyomo (@Furknee03) October 29, 2024

A World Series MVP is the icing on Freddie Freeman’s Hall of Fame cake https://t.co/pzBRVLSsB7

— zach (@ZachNagel7) October 29, 2024

The #WorldSeries MVP is Freddie Freeman’s to lose at this point. pic.twitter.com/P6AsMwPxla

— Charles (Dynasty Ain’t Over) (@cpenn4thewin) October 29, 2024

Freddie Freeman in the World Series pic.twitter.com/poPaRmC40Q

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) October 29, 2024

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDIE’S

Freddie Freeman's 5th consecutive #WorldSeries game with a home run! pic.twitter.com/E6LKOyLFqZ

— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2024

Give Freddie Freeman the World Series MVP

— Ant 🦍 (@True2Ant) October 29, 2024

Freddie Freeman is the World Series MVP.

— Lakers310 - Alex (@Lakers_310) October 29, 2024

just give freddie freeman the world series mvp already

— ry (@dark4ura) October 29, 2024

Freeman's first home run of the series was one of the biggest hits of his career as he drilled a grand slam to give the Dodgers a win over the Yankees in the 10th inning. He hasn't slowed down since then, keeping his bat hot over the last two games.

Though New York could still make a miraculous comeback to win the series, all signs are pointing to Freeman winning his second World Series and first Fall Classic MVP.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani played in Game 3 of the World Series on Monday, but it appeared like his shoulder was still bothering him.

Game 3 was the first home game of the series for the New York Yankees, so the starting lineups were publicly announced ahead of the first pitch. And Ohtani appeared to be wearing a sling to stabilize his left arm and shoulder area when he ran out of the dugout after his name was called:

Ohtani appears to be wearing a sling as he is introduced at Yankee Stadium before Game 3. pic.twitter.com/6ebDgGQ2qe

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2024

However, Ohtani told reporters after a 4-2 win over the Yankees that he was wearing a heating device, not a sling, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Shohei Ohtani said the thing he was warming pregame was indeed a heating device. He said he was using it during the game too

He said he was holding onto his jersey while running the bases so that he wouldn’t put his arm down in case he had to slide

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) October 29, 2024

The injury occurred during the seventh inning of Saturday's Game 2 when Ohtani attempted to steal a base. He slid into the bag and immediately grabbed at his arm before trainers came out to check on him.

He then exited the game and headed toward the clubhouse.

While Dodgers fans were surely worried, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Monday that Ohtani texted a group of teammates and assured them he was alright and would likely play in Monday's game.

That was the case, as he is in the lineup and batting leadoff for Los Angeles in its first road game of the World Series.

Ohtani's health was a major storyline coming into his first season with the Dodgers, as he did not pitch throughout the entire campaign following offseason elbow surgery. The two-way star is typically one of the league's best pitchers and hitters but was not healthy enough to take the mound in 2024.

He was still notably durable and appeared in a career-best 159 games.

The two-time MVP didn't just play in a career-high number of games, he thrived in them while slashing .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases. He will likely take home the third MVP of his illustrious career.

If all goes well in the rest of the Fall Classic for his side, he will also take home a World Series trophy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were surely worried about their championship prospects when Shohei Ohtani suffered a shoulder injury during Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, but the slugger reportedly reassured his teammates in the aftermath.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Monday that Ohtani texted a group of teammates following the Game 2 win and ensured them he would be fine. Nightengale also noted Max Muncy was anything but surprised Ohtani will play in Monday's Game 3 after checking in with him.

The injury occurred when the 30-year-old slid into second base on a steal attempt. He immediately grabbed at his arm and left the contest.

Other than the Ohtani injury, the World Series has been excellent so far for the Dodgers.

They are up 2-0 following two straight home wins and are now just two victories away from their first championship since 2020. And that 2-0 cushion means they could even lose two of the next three on the road in New York and still only need to win one more at home to lift the trophy.

Ohtani's status was the biggest question mark coming out of those first two victories, but manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech on Sunday that he was "in a great spot and will be playing in Game 3 tomorrow."

That echoed a Saturday update from Roberts when he told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez the team was "encouraged" by the initial tests and "expecting" Ohtani to play in Game 3.

He is playing and will bat in his familiar leadoff spot against Clarke Schmidt.

New York will have to immediately deal with someone who is likely well on his way to the National League MVP after slashing .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers.

The only thing missing from Ohtani's resume at this point is a World Series crown, and he will be in the lineup and looking to change that in the coming days.

The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled a new display case honoring Freddie Freeman's walk-off World Series grand slam on Saturday.

The display features Freeman's game-used jersey.

A special display case honoring Freddie Freeman’s historic #WorldSeries grand slam is now available for viewing outside the club level suites. pic.twitter.com/p4aGDUcFU2

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 26, 2024

The 35-year-old's heroics have helped the Dodgers build a 2-0 series lead over the New York Yankees during the 2024 Fall Classic. In Game 1, Freeman hit a walk-off homer with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning while Los Angeles trailed by one run.

IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
IT'S GONE
FREDDIE FREEMAN #WALKOFF GRAND SLAM pic.twitter.com/LlVU1ZGyGx

— MLB (@MLB) October 26, 2024

"Those are the kind of things, when you're five years old with your two older brothers and you're playing wiffle ball in the backyard, those are the scenarios you kind of dream about." Freeman told reporters after the win.

"Those are the kind of things, when you're five years old with your two older brothers and you're playing wiffle ball in the backyard, those are the scenarios you kind of dream about."

- Freddie Freeman on his walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series pic.twitter.com/IIWlVlkCiM

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 26, 2024

He also played an important role in Game 2, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to extend Los Angeles' lead to 4-1. The Dodgers were able to hold on for a 4-2 victory.

FREDDIE FREEMAN GOES BACK-TO-BACK! #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/xwRHRb3IoM

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

Freeman is 3-for-9 with two homers and five RBIs through the first two games of the World Series.

His current stretch is even more impressive considering he's been hampered by an ankle sprain throughout Los Angeles' current postseason run. In fact, he was scratched from the Dodgers' lineup in Game 6 against the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series as well as Game 4 against the San Diego Padres in the NL Division Series.

Freeman struggled prior to the World Series as he dealt with ankle issues, hitting just .219 with zero home runs and 1 RBI to go along with a .461 OPS through eight 2024 postseason appearances.

His subpar play was one of the reasons why the Yankees intentionally walked Mookie Betts and chose to pitch to him prior to his walk-off homer.

Freeman and the Dodgers will look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead at Yankees Stadium, with Game 3 on Monday at 8:08 p.m. ET.

New York Yankees star Juan Soto could receive interest in free agency from his current opponent in the 2024 World Series.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Soto and will attempt to sign him "if he's interested" in joining the organization.

Heyman also noted that the Yankees and New York Mets are viewed by "folks around baseball" as the "likely favorites" to sign the 26-year-old, with questions surrounding his desire to head out west once again if he were to consider the Dodgers.

Soto spent 2023 with the San Diego Padres before he was acquired by the Yankees in a blockbuster trade during the ensuing offseason.

Per Heyman, New York sees the Mets and potentially the Toronto Blue Jays as a "real threat" to lure Soto away but members of the organization "don't believe" he wants to return to California.

The four-time All-Star addressed his impending free agency prior to Game 1 of the Fall Classic, explaining that winning is most important when evaluating possible destinations.

"Definitely every player wants to be happy where they're at," Soto said, via David Lennon of Newsday (h/t CBS Sports' Dayn Perry). "And at the end of the day, whenever you win, you're going to be really happy. So wherever you are that you have a chance to win a championship, you're going to be excited to play for them. I think that's the biggest thing."

The outcome of the World Series may impact his choice, as the Yankees currently face a 2-0 series deficit despite his heroics.

JUAN SOTO PUTS YANKEES ON THE BOARD 😤

TIE GAME.

(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/HmlnB0hDod

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 27, 2024

Los Angeles wrapped up a successful offseason following its 2023 campaign, adding superstar Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers' offense would become even more imposing if they were able to add Soto to a lineup that already features Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

In his first season with the Yankees, the right fielder hit .288 while racking up 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. If he chooses to leave New York in the winter, the Dodgers could be waiting with an offer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers can breathe a sigh of relief.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told ESPN's Karl Ravech on Sunday that Shohei Ohtani is "in a great spot and will be playing in Game 3 tomorrow."

Ohtani suffered a shoulder injury during Los Angeles' victory over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series and exited in the seventh inning. He suffered the injury during a stolen-base attempt and immediately grabbed at his arm.

The injury to the Dodgers star was about the only troubling development for the National League representative during the first two games, as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead by winning each of them at home.

New York will be at home for the next three games starting Monday, and Los Angeles needs to win at least one of them to maintain its momentum and avoid a situation where it would have to sweep all of the home games in the series to win the championship.

Ohtani's expected return is a major boost to those efforts, as he is well on his way to the third MVP of his career and was an unstoppable offensive force in his first season with the team.

He slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases and is a major reason Los Angeles is in the World Series.

That he is expected to play Monday isn't particularly surprising given the Saturday update from ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. The initial strength and range-of-motion tests were all encouraging, and he was not wearing any type of protective sleeve when he left Dodger Stadium.

"I'm expecting him to be there," Roberts said. "I'm expecting him to be in the lineup."

Those expectations are still in place, and Los Angeles will look to seize firm control of the series with its best player in the lineup Monday.

Los Angeles Dodgers fans are surely still holding their breath after Shohei Ohtani suffered a subluxation of his left shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday, but there was some reason for optimism in the aftermath of the team's victory.

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported Ohtani exited Dodger Stadium after the win over the New York Yankees without wearing a sleeve on his shoulder.

Manager Dave Roberts also said the team was "encouraged," adding "I'm expecting him to be there. I'm expecting him to be in the lineup."

Ohtani suffered the injury in the seventh inning when he was tagged out at second base on a steal attempt. He immediately grabbed at his arm and ended up exiting the game and going into the clubhouse.

Los Angeles still managed to hold onto a 4-2 win to seize a 2-0 series lead, but things shift to New York for Games 3, 4 and, if necessary, 5 starting Monday.

Whether Ohtani is available or not figures to make a significant difference in the way the rest of the series unfolds, and Roberts said results from initial strength and range-of-motion tests were positive even though he will undergo an MRI that will provide more clarity on Sunday.

Ohtani is well on his way to the third MVP of his career and slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI and 59 stolen bases in his first season with the Dodgers. Even though he didn't pitch this season, he still made an incredible impact on the club and helped lead it to the World Series.

Los Angeles is now two wins away from the title and is surely hoping its superstar will be in the lineup for Monday's Game 3 as it attempts to seize full control of the series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers came two wins away from a World Series title but lost Shohei Ohtani to injury during a 4-2 Game 2 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday.

Teoscar Hernández and Freddie Freeman hit back-to-back home runs and Yoshinobu Yamamoto held the Yankees to one hit through 6.1 innings before Ohtani was injured on a stolen base attempt in the seventh inning.

DODGERS ARE 2 WINS AWAY FROM BEING CHAMPS 🔥

LA takes a 2-0 lead heading to NY. pic.twitter.com/ZMKytqelqd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 27, 2024

The Dodgers got on the board first with a home run from NLCS MVP Tommy Edman in the second inning.

TOMMY EDMAN STRIKES AGAIN! #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/XZ50jg5j3M

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

Tommy Edman: the coolest kind of switch hitter

> Last Night:
Left vs Cole (R)
Right vs Kahnle (R)
Left vs Cousins (R)
> Tonight:
Right vs Rodon (L) pic.twitter.com/c1rLUJwn9c

— Chris Black (@DownToBlack) October 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/Trillz55/status/1850374716374110612

The Yankees answered immediately with a Juan Soto home run in the top of the third.

JUAN SOTO TIES THE GAME! #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/dIJb3d2KdF

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

There’s not enough money in the world to pay Juan Soto his rightful contract this winter

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) October 27, 2024

The Dodgers responded right back in the bottom of the frame, as Hernández scored Mookie Betts and himself on a two-run homer.

Freeman followed that up with a home run of his own to put the home team ahead by three runs.

TEOSCAR HERNÁNDEZ! @DODGERS LEAD AGAIN! #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/U0fHdnNpWG

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

FREDDIE FREEMAN GOES BACK-TO-BACK! #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/xwRHRb3IoM

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

The home run marked Freeman's second in as many games following his walk-off grand slam in the 10th inning of Friday night's Game 1.

Freddie Freeman is the second player to have multiple home runs and a triple over the first two games of a World Series.
The other was Babe Ruth in the 1923 World Series. pic.twitter.com/6f5E2x4CyS

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 27, 2024

Freddie Freeman tonight:

1-4
1 HR
1 RBI

First player since David Ortiz (2013) to homer in both Game 1 and Game 2 in the World Series. pic.twitter.com/yxVQJBHRL3

— StatMuse Baseball (@statmusemlb) October 27, 2024

Back-to-back in LA. Freddie Freeman will never buy a meal in Orange County again.

— Cory Jennerjohn (@CoryJennerjohn) October 27, 2024

Freddie Freeman clutch again tonight

— Dennis Mick (@OHLNOJHLWHL) October 27, 2024

Freddie Freeman is the WS MVP right now doesn't matter if they win or not. Give him the trophy.

— Sir Ed ✝ John 15:19 kjv (@noble_truth76) October 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Yamamoto shut down the Yankees in his World Series debut. The Soto homer was the only hit and run he allowed in his 6.1 innings on the mound.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto retires the final 11 batters he faces in a stellar #WorldSeries performance! pic.twitter.com/sa6tyCgckA

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2024

A standing ovation for Yoshinobu. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/142dpeYL7Y

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 27, 2024

Yamamoto with an absolute gem of a game

— Sosa🍥 (@corsolino) October 27, 2024

Yamamoto’s $325 million just paid for itself

— Erik Kratz (@ErikKratz31) October 27, 2024

What a game for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. What a game.

6 1/3 one-hit innings. More than the Dodgers could’ve asked for.

— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) October 27, 2024

Yoshinobu Yamamoto joins Rich Hill (Game 4, 2018) as the only Dodgers pitchers ever to have a start of 6+ IP and only 1 hit allowed in the World Series.

— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) October 27, 2024

The Dodgers ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh inning, when Ohtani's attempt to steal second base went awry as he appeared to suffer a shoulder injury on the play.

Shohei Ohtani walked off the field with an apparent arm injury following a slide into second base

(via @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/XfzMd4Imdy

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 27, 2024

I hope Ohtani isn’t seriously hurt. This series is better with him in it.

— Joe | C1 (@Show_DeRosa) October 27, 2024

Like the Dodgers the night before, the Yankees loaded the bases before the final at-bat of the night. Unlike Freeman, Jose Trevino was unable to capitalize on the opportunity in the ninth.

Survived the ninth. ✅

The Dodgers are two wins away from a #WorldSeries title. pic.twitter.com/zrYSlaA6HO

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 27, 2024

Freddie Freeman swinging at first pitch with bases loaded 2 out is one thing but Alex Trevino probably needs to take a pitch #WorldSeries

— Crispe (@fcrisp5) October 27, 2024

Idk what’s worse. The fact your roster construction leads to your hitter off the bench being Jose Trevino or the fact you actually went to him

— kyle (@knicks_tape99) October 27, 2024

Mookie Betts, Hernández and Edman all recorded multiple hits for the Dodgers, while Soto was the only batter to record more than one hit for the visitors. Yankees captain Aaron Judge was held without a hit and struck out three times as Carlos Rodon recorded the loss.

Aaron judge 1 for 9 in series. Disappointing. Wanted more excitement. #WorldSeries

— Rob Duncan (@Robduncanjr) October 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/drutimestwo/status/1850378412172448190

The Dodgers will take a 2-0 series lead to New York, but face questions surrounding Ohtani's availability going forward.

The World Series continues on Monday as the Yankees head back to the Bronx for their first home game of the series. The first pitch of Game 3 is scheduled for 8:08 p.m.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have named Walker Buehler as their Game 3 starter for the World Series.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Buehler will get the start when the Dodgers travel to New York for Game 3.

Clarke Schmidt will be on the mound for the Yankees on Monday night and Luis Gil will start Game 4, manager Aaron Boone told reporters. Los Angeles will turn to its bullpen for Game 4 on Tuesday.

Walker Buehler will start Game 3 for the Dodgers with a bullpen game in Game 4.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 26, 2024

The Dodgers took Game 1 over the New York Yankees and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the start in Game 2 on Saturday night.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Buehler's experience in big games and proven success on the road made the decision easy.

Dave Roberts on Walker Buehler starting Game 3: "We just love Walker in big games. The road isn't going to phase him and it also allows him to be available for a potential Game 7 too."

— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) October 26, 2024

"We just love Walker in big games," Roberts said, per Matthew Moreno of Dodger Blue. "The road isn't going to phase him and it also allows him to be available for a potential Game 7 too."

Buehler had a down year in 2024, going 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 75.1 innings. He has made two starts this postseason and his most recent was a four-inning shutout performance in the NLCS against the New York Mets.

He brings 17 total playoff appearances to the table and should still be a formidable foe for the New York hitters to deal with. The Yankees are starting Carlos Rodón in Game 2 and Clarke Schmidt will take the mound in Game 3.

Buehler would be lined up to pitch Game 7 as well, if the series reaches that point.